I Helped My Husband’s Brother Take The Mafia Throne (Full Movie) | English Sub
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00:00The dawn of the Russo family lay on the brink of death following a hit by a rival syndicate.
00:06On his deathbed surrounded by the family's kapos, he made his final will whichever of his two sons made it
00:12to the hospital first
00:13and slipped the black onyx ring onto his finger would inherit the multi-billion, dollar mafia empire.
00:19As the eldest son Cassian was only a 30-minute drive away, the throne was practically handed to him.
00:24Instead, he chose to throw a lavish birthday party for his precious sweetheart Julia on a private yacht.
00:30She told him she wanted no interruptions, so he shut off his phone.
00:33In my previous life, I took a speedboat, stormed the yacht with a crew, and dragged him back to the
00:38hospital by force, securing his seat as the dawn.
00:41But because he left her midway, Julia stood on the deck crying all night, caught a nasty fever, and threatened
00:46to break up with him when she woke up.
00:48Once in power, Cassian was driven mad by guilt.
00:51He called me a cold-blooded, heartless bitch, had my feet set in concrete, and threw me off the Brooklyn
00:56Bridge.
00:56When I opened my eyes, I was back in that hospital, with the family lawyer desperately urging me to make
01:01the call.
01:02I looked down at my phone.
01:03On Instagram, Cassian had just posted.
01:05I calmly double-tapped the screen to like his post.
01:08Then I sent a text to my exiled brother-in-law, Mateo.
01:15Valerie, what are you zoning out for?
01:17Call Cassian now!
01:18The dawn gave his word.
01:19Whoever gets that black onyx ring on their finger before he takes his last breath rules the Russo family.
01:25It is a 30-minute drive.
01:28If Cassian leaves right now, this billion-dollar empire is his.
01:32I masked the cold hatred in my eyes, in front of a room full of capos and doctors.
01:37I dialed Cassian's number.
01:38It rang for a long, long time.
01:40Just as the lawyer started sweating, the call finally connected.
01:43Valerie, are you out of your mind?
01:45How many times do I have to tell you?
01:47It is Julia's birthday, and I am staying with her!
01:50Your father was shot.
01:51They are trying to save him in the hospital.
01:53Cassian, are you going to leave me again?
01:55Valerie, it is my birthday.
01:56I just want him for one night.
01:58You really don't need to make up such twisted lies.
02:01Do I have to get on my knees and beg you to let him stay a little longer?
02:04Don't be scared, Julia.
02:06I'm not leaving.
02:07I'm not going anywhere.
02:10Did you hear that?
02:11It is just one night.
02:13Can you drop the jealous wife routine for one-
02:14Hearing this, the lawyer's veins popped on his forehead.
02:17He snatched the phone.
02:18Cassian, it is the family lawyer.
02:20Valerie is not lying.
02:21The Don was actually hit.
02:24He is in the hospital right now.
02:26You need to get here in 30 minutes, because the Don said-
02:32Oh, the family lawyer, huh?
02:34An arrogant male voice suddenly cut in.
02:36It was Jax, Cassian's lackey and Julia's younger brother.
02:40Jax laughed mockingly through the speaker.
02:42Valerie, you really pulled out all the stops today, hiring actors and everything.
02:46Too bad you miscalculated.
02:48I got a buddy on the payroll in that precinct.
02:51He said the streets are dead quiet tonight.
02:53No hits, no nothing.
02:54Valerie is just a jealous bitch paying actors to put on a show so you will go crawling back to
02:59her.
02:59Valerie, using my father's life for a cheap stunt.
03:04You disgust me.
03:08Is this the eldest son?
03:11How could he be this stupid?
03:13Valerie, you fucking curse!
03:18In my past life, I was too panicked to react and took the hit.
03:21This time, I was ready.
03:23I sneered and took a step back.
03:27Where is he?
03:28Where is Cassian?
03:30If Cassius doesn't make it back, if the family falls into someone else's hands, I will sell you to the
03:37brothels myself!
03:39Useless trash!
03:40You can't even get your own man to come back.
03:43If Cassian loses his inheritance, we will skin you alive!
03:50I knew why they were losing their minds.
03:53Carmela wasn't the Don's legal wife.
03:55She started out as a stripper and used her pregnancy to climb the ladder, giving birth to his firstborn, Cassian.
04:01Years ago, when the Don's actual wife was heavily pregnant, Carmela showed up at the estate with her baby, spitting
04:06such vicious insults that the wife went into premature labor and bled to death on the operating table.
04:12The legitimate son, Matteo, who was born without a mother, was treated like a thorn in their side.
04:17Cassian and Carmela abused him, beat him, and eventually found an excuse to exile him to Sicily, keeping him far
04:23away from the family's core business.
04:24Though the Don let Carmela live in the manor, he always thought she was too low-class to actually marry.
04:29That meant if the Don died and Cassian didn't take the throne, family rules dictated Carmela would be thrown out
04:35on the streets.
04:36If she goes down, her crew goes down with her.
04:38That is why they're all looking sick with worry.
04:41Are you deaf?
04:42Call his lackey!
04:43Tell him to drag Cassian here right now!
04:46I looked at her coldly, didn't argue, and obediently dialed Jax's number.
04:50Valerie, are you physically incapable of taking a hint?
04:52Can't you give it a rest?
04:53Stop clinging to the boss like a desperate loser.
04:56Honestly, if you were my woman, I would tie you up and beat some sense into you first.
05:00Women need to learn to shut up and stay out of family business.
05:03His blatant disrespect left everyone in the room stunned.
05:07Jax, I don't care if you believe me.
05:09The Don is fading fast.
05:11He gave his word between Cassian and Matteo.
05:15Whoever puts on the ring first gets the Empire.
05:18A sudden, eerie silence fell over the line.
05:21Jax's tone shifted, sounding hesitant.
05:24Are you serious?
05:28It is true.
05:30It is true.
05:31I am Cassian's mother.
05:32You need to tell him to come back.
05:33There's a back.
05:34It's about the inheritance.
05:36Jax said slowly.
05:37Well, if it's true, I'll go tell the boss right now.
05:40Carmela let out a huge breath of relief.
05:42As long as Cassian gets back...
05:44A burst of hysterical laughter erupted from the phone.
05:46Jax sounded like he just heard the funniest joke in the world.
05:49Jesus Christ.
05:50Valerie, you really don't know when to quit, do you?
05:52I already busted your little scam and you are still bringing the actors back for a second act?
05:55Let me tell you something.
05:56The boss said even if the FBI raids this boat tonight, nobody is ruining his alone time with my sister.
06:01Your little mind games are useless.
06:03If you know what's good for you, get lost.
06:05The boss is filing for divorce tomorrow.
06:08He is only going to love my sister for the rest of his life.
06:10And I am going to be the Don's brother-in-law.
06:14As for you, get ready to pack your bags and go beg on the streets.
06:18The call hung up mercilessly, slowly turning into sheer horror.
06:22I made my eyes well up with tears, looking extremely wrong.
06:25I had been married to Cassian for three years to secure his position in the family.
06:29I spent countless sleepless nights cooking, hiding his dirty money, and cleaning up his messes.
06:34And what did he do?
06:35He took the money I made him and bought a $10 million yacht for Julia.
06:40Valerie, you already have the title of the Russo family's wife.
06:44Julia has nothing.
06:46What is wrong with spending some money to make it up to her?
06:49He even had the nerve to tell me.
06:51All men stray.
06:52As long as he comes home to you, why do you care how many girls he keeps on the side?
06:58Yeah, exactly.
06:59So tonight, let Cassian be with the woman he truly loves.
07:03As for the Godfather's seat, you can kiss it goodbye.
07:09A mess of heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway.
07:12A group of capos loyal to Cassian burst into the room.
07:15Where is he?
07:16Why isn't he here yet?
07:18It is her fault.
07:19Valerie is useless.
07:21She couldn't even get him on the phone.
07:24The elders were furious.
07:26They grabbed a thick stack.
07:27What the hell are you good for, Valerie?
07:29We bet everything on Cassian.
07:31If he misses out of the ring tonight, we all go down with him.
07:34You stupid, useless bitch.
07:37Before I could say a word, the heart monitor suddenly started blaring a warning alarm.
07:42The private physician rushed over to check.
07:44A moment later, he gave a slight shake of his head.
07:47Gentlemen, the Don has 40 minutes at most.
07:50You need to figure this out fast.
07:5240 minutes.
07:53Honestly, if Cassian just checked his social media or picked up the phone,
07:58a 30-minute drive from the docks was more than enough time.
08:01Hope reignited in Carmela's eyes.
08:03Her hands shook as she dialed his number.
08:05Cassian, please pick up your mother's call.
08:11The yacht was anchored just off the coast.
08:13Julia straddled Cassian's lap.
08:15She complained about the ringing phone killing the mood.
08:18That ringing is giving me a headache.
08:20Like, Cassian, just turn it off or throw it in the ocean.
08:26Tonight is my birthday.
08:27She lowered her eyelashes.
08:29You can only have me in your world.
08:31You can only look at me.
08:33Can you do that for me?
08:35Cassian hesitated for a second, Valerie's words flashing through his mind.
08:39But looking at Julia's lustful, dependent eyes, any doubt he had vanished.
08:43The old man was tough as nails.
08:45He wouldn't just drop dead.
08:47All right. As long as my queen is happy, even if the sky falls, you are the only thing I
08:52care about.
08:53Cassian kissed her hard then, without a second thought, tossed both phones into the dark sea.
09:02Sorry. The number you have reached is unavailable.
09:04Carmela must have called 20 times.
09:08Her men tried to comfort her.
09:11Donna Carmela, don't panic.
09:12Even if Cassian doesn't make it, it is fine.
09:14That bastard, Matteo, is still in Sicily, right?
09:16A flight from there takes over 10 hours.
09:18He will never make it.
09:20Hearing this, Carmela let out a breath she was holding.
09:23But then, one of their spies rushed into the room.
09:26Ma'am. Bosses.
09:28Someone said they saw Matteo's crew a few blocks away.
09:31He is almost here.
09:33Impossible.
09:34He is in Sicily.
09:35How could he be back so fast?
09:36I stood quietly by the edge of the room, feeling a dark sense of satisfaction.
09:40Actually, Matteo had secretly returned to New York days ago to handle some family business.
09:45In my previous life, Carmela blocked all information from reaching him so he wouldn't compete for power.
09:50Never met Matteo Snow.
09:51By the time Matteo found out and rushed over, he was 30 minutes too late.
09:55But this time, the moment I opened my eyes, I sent the news straight to him.
10:00The docks! Go to the docks!
10:02You useless trash! Come with me! We are bringing him back!
10:07Carmela completely lost it.
10:08I let her drag me into the car, because I knew exactly how obsessed Cassian was with Julia.
10:14He had locked down that yacht for their alone time.
10:16Even if Carmela went herself, it wouldn't change a damn thing.
10:24When we got to the pier, Carmela and her heavily armed thugs rushed the entrance like maniacs.
10:29But a dozen guards armed with assault rifles blocked the gate.
10:32Standing front and center was Jax, looking as smug as ever.
10:36Are you blind? The boss locked down the pier tonight. Not even a fly gets in.
10:40I am his mother! Let me in! Tell Cass that Matteo's about to steal his throne!
10:45Lost her balance and crashed hard onto the concrete.
10:48Listen here, old lady. You guys are really addicted to this acting gig, huh?
10:53First Valerie gets someone to fake being a lawyer and a mom over the phone, and now you show up
10:58trying to play the victim?
10:59You people will stoop to anything to ruin his night with my sister.
11:03The boss gave a direct order.
11:05Even if his own mother shows up, she can wait outside.
11:08Carmela was shaking violently, choking on her own fury.
11:11She ordered her men to break through.
11:13But after a brief, bloody scuffle, they were beaten back, heads bleeding.
11:17Utterly desperate, Carmela screamed, cursed, and clawed at the heavy iron gates.
11:22Finally, her knees gave out.
11:24She literally dropped to her knees in front of Jax, bowing her head against the dirt.
11:29I beg you! Let me in to see him!
11:35If we are too late, everything is gone!
11:39Leaning against the car door watching the circus, I couldn't stop the corner of my lips from curving up.
11:45At that exact moment back in the hospital, dozens of eyes were glued to the heart monitor as the jagged
11:50lines grew flatter and flatter.
11:52Then, the hallway fell dead silent.
11:54A tall, imposing figure in a black trench coat stepped over the threshold.
11:58The moment his heavy boots halted, the red line on the monitor flatlined completely.
12:08The family lawyer took a deep breath.
12:10Facing the elders, his voice rang out solemn and clear.
12:13According to the final will and testament, Mr. Mateo arrived at the final moment.
12:17From this second on, Mr. Mateo is the undisputed Don of the Russo family.
12:22No matter how furious Cassian's supporters were, no one dared to say a word.
12:26Mateo slipped the black onyx ring onto his finger.
12:29One by one, every capo in the room bowed their heads in submission.
12:34When the voice note from my informant played through my phone, Carmela's eyes rolled back and she fainted cold on
12:40the damp concrete.
12:42Meanwhile, out on the yacht, the two of them were still tangled in the sheets.
12:46Julia curled up against Cassian's bare chest, her skin still flushed and damp.
12:51Cassian, this is the best day of my life.
12:53Thank you for risking everything for me.
12:56Promise me you'll always be this good to me.
12:58Of course, just wait.
12:59Someday I'm going to get rid of Valera and make you my real wife.
13:03The yacht was nearing the docks.
13:07Cassian glanced up.
13:08Waiting for them on the pier was a sea of dark suits, and the blood instantly drained from his face.
13:14Cassian marched over, his eyes full of contempt.
13:17Valerie, you are like a ghost that won't go away!
13:20What kind of stunt is this?
13:22Bringing in a bunch of crazy bitches here to cry and make a scene?
13:24You think making yourself look pitiful is going to make me look at you?
13:27He noticed the unconscious woman on the ground and the bleeding thugs.
13:31But he was so blinded by annoyance, he didn't even recognize his own mother.
13:35Boss, don't worry.
13:36I kept all these troublemanters out.
13:38Not a single fly got in to ruin your romantic night with my sister.
13:42Valerie, if you keep acting like a psycho, we are filing for divorce tomorrow.
13:45For three years you have paraded around acting like the queen of the Russo family,
13:49but in bed you are as boring as a piece of wood.
13:51I'm sick of you.
13:52Believe me, with one word, I can have you thrown out of this family with nothing.
13:56Valerie, I actually feel sorry for you.
13:58You married Cassian for money and power, but your heart is full of schemes.
14:03You can't offer him anything real.
14:05Cassian doesn't need power.
14:07He needs true love.
14:08Why put yourself through this?
14:11Fine.
14:12You two go love each other forever.
14:20Stop!
14:35Matei?
14:36What are you doing here?
14:38Hey!
14:38Where are you going?
14:39Get back here right now!
14:40Suddenly, a sharp, echoing slap rang out.
14:43Carmela, who had just woken up from the cold ground,
14:46summoned a terrifying amount of strength and backhanded Julia right across her delicate face.
14:51Julia screamed and collapsed, half of her face instantly swelling up.
14:55Mom?
14:56What are you doing here?
14:58Why are you acting crazy with Valerie?
15:01Why did you hit Julia?
15:03Hit her?
15:04I will skin the bitch alive!
15:06Open your damn eyes and look!
15:08Look at what your stupidity just cost us for this little slit!
15:12Frowning with extreme irritation, Cassian grabbed the phone.
15:16On the screen was the breaking news alert flashing across every major network.
15:21Russo family Don assassinated.
15:23Second son Mateo arrives at last minute to inherit empire.
15:27A new godfather rises.
15:28Right below the headline was a high, definition video of the lawyer's announcement.
15:33According to the final will and testament, Mr. Mateo arrived at the final moment.
15:37Mr. Mateo is the undisputed Don of the Russo family.
15:41In the video, Mateo, dressed in a sharp black suit, stood by the Don's bed and slipped the
15:46black onyx ring onto his finger.
15:48Cassian's pupils shrank to pinpricks.
15:50He stared at the screen, his fingers starting to tremble uncontrollably.
15:55No, no, this is impossible.
16:01How could father be assassinated?
16:03This is fake!
16:07Valerie, you doctored this video, didn't you?
16:09I stood perfectly still, a mocking smile touching my lips.
16:12Cassian, why don't you call your capos and find out if it's fake or not?
16:17Phone, phone, give me the phone right now!
16:19The second the screen lit up, hundreds of missed calls and thousands of texts flooded
16:23in like death warrants.
16:25Boss, where are you?
16:26If you don't come back right now, Mateo is taking everything!
16:28Cassian looked like he had been struck by lightning.
16:31His knees went weak, and he nearly dropped to the ground.
16:34Carmela suddenly lunged at Julia.
16:36You brainless hort.
16:38It is all because of you.
16:39A fucking birthday party!
16:42If it wasn't for you, Cassian would have made it to the hospital!
16:44You ruined the rest of my life, you dirty hort!
16:47Julia screamed in agony, her perfect makeup smeared with tears as she struggled.
16:54Cassian!
16:55Help me, Cassian!
16:57Sister!
16:59But the family elders behind Carmela, already driven insane by losing their power-tackled
17:04Jax to the ground, and beat the living hell out of him.
17:07You're the one who blocked the gate.
17:09I will put a bullet in you myself.
17:11The pier devolved into absolute chaos.
17:14Screams from Julia and Jax rang out everywhere.
17:18Cassian finally snapped out of his shock.
17:20Enough!
17:21Stop!
17:22Get off her!
17:23Don't touch Julia!
17:24Carmela was already old.
17:25When Cassian yanked her off Julia, she lost her balance and crashed heavily onto the deck.
17:33Dead silence.
17:34Everyone stared at Cassian in absolute disbelief.
17:38Are you insane?
17:41You hit your own mother for this, slut?
17:43How did I give birth to such a stupid son?
17:46Cassian wrapped his arms around a shivering Julia.
17:49If I lost my territory, I will take it back!
17:51As long as I breathe, I will build my way back to the top.
17:54But if any of you touch one hair on Julia's head, I will kill you.
17:58He scooped Julia up, bolted into his sports car like he was running for his life, and sped off.
18:04Watching these rabid dogs tear each other apart, my smile grew wider.
18:08Is that so?
18:09Let's see how you rise back to the top.
18:11An hour later, Cassian took Julia to the hospital to get patched up, then drove back to the Russo family
18:16manor.
18:19The moment he walked through the doors, he started barking orders.
18:22Butler, prepare Abilene and Seeducud for dinner.
18:32How dare you!
18:34Out on the front lawn, all his custom suits, luxury watches, and personal belongings were piled up like garbage.
18:41I was sitting elegantly on the sofa, slowly sipping champagne, and sitting right beside me was Mateo.
18:51Valerie, Mateo, you have some nerve!
18:54You bastard, you dare step foot in my house?
18:57The Russo family isn't yours.
18:58I am the eldest son, and this empire belongs to me.
19:01Take this toxic bitch and get out of my house!
19:03He instinctively reached for the gun at his waist, but Mateo's bodyguards moved in a flash,
19:08kicking him hard in the chest and dropping him to the floor.
19:12Who do you think runs the Russo family now?
19:14I sneered, stood up, and threw a divorce agreement and a thick stack of bank statements right in his face.
19:20Sign the divorce papers, and look at those statements.
19:22Over the last three years, you immeasbled family funds to buy yachts and diamonds for Julia.
19:26Thirty million dollars in total.
19:27Mateo swirled his whiskey glass, a dangerous smirk on his lips.
19:31Big brother, I run the finances now, and I have audited the books.
19:35You either pay back the money, or I handle this the traditional mafia way.
19:39And you pay with a pound of flesh.
19:46Valor, you think slapping a 30 million dollar debt on me is gonna make me beg?
19:49You think throwing me out will make me leave Julia and come crawling back to you?
19:52You miscalculated.
19:54Even if you do all this, I'll never choose you.
19:56As long as I have Julia by my side, I will build my own empire from the ground up.
20:00I will wait for the day you come begging me on your knees.
20:02Come on, Julia.
20:03We are leaving.
20:04Watching his dramatic exit, I almost laughed out loud.
20:08Build his own empire from the ground up.
20:10He was nothing without the Russo name.
20:12And soon enough, he'd learn a hard truth.
20:14Empires don't rise from nothing, and gold diggers don't stay for love.
20:20One month later, inside a hot, humid, run-down motel with water dripping from the ceiling.
20:26It was the exact opposite of the luxurious Russo estate.
20:29Cassian, are you entirely useless?
20:34Julia's hair was a mess.
20:35She pointed right at Cassian's nose, screaming.
20:38That sweet, gentle face of hers was now twisted with rage.
20:42You can't even buy me a decent dress!
20:44Some boss you are!
20:46Ever since Cassian was thrown out, all his bank accounts had been frozen to pay off his debt.
20:51All of Julia's limited edition bags and diamonds had been confiscated and liquidated.
20:56Used to a life of extreme luxury, Julia's true colors finally bled through.
21:00Cassian stepped forward humbly, trying to hold her hand.
21:04Julia, please, don't be mad.
21:07I have already reached out to a few guys who used to follow me.
21:13Once I find-
21:14Find what?
21:15What the hell can your pocket change do?
21:20You can't even buy me a purse!
21:23How can you say you love me?
21:26Weren't you the big boss?
21:28Julia.
21:29A flash of genuine hurt crossed Cassian's eyes.
21:31You weren't like this before.
21:34You told me as long as we have love, you wouldn't care even if the sky fell.
21:38Julia looked at him with pure disgust.
21:40Without money, your love is worthless.
21:43Just then, with a loud bang, the motel door was kicked open.
21:46Jax stumbled inside, covered in blood.
21:49Sis!
21:50Save me, sis!
21:53I owe the casino!
21:55They said if I don't pay up today, they are chopping off my hands and feet!
22:03Are you deaf?
22:04They are going to maim my brother!
22:06Pay them!
22:08Julia screamed in terror, shoving Cassian forward.
22:11I-
22:13Cassian went pale.
22:14I don't have any money left.
22:15Jax's eyes were wild.
22:17He dropped to the floor, hugging Cassian's leg and shaking him violently.
22:22Cassian, go beg Valerie!
22:24She used to love you so much, she did whatever you said!
22:28Get on your knees and beg her for the money!
22:30Cassian flinched like he had been hit with a bat.
22:33He stared at Julia, his lips trembling.
22:37Julia, do you think I should do that too?
22:42Well, you're useless right now anyway.
22:44Julia avoided his eyes, her face filled with revulsion.
22:47If you can scam some money out of her, do it.
22:50You can't just let my brother get crippled.
22:52Cassian completely broke down.
22:54He couldn't accept that his precious first love was really like this.
22:57He held his head in his hands, trying to hypnotize himself.
23:00She is just tired.
23:02She still loves me.
23:05She is just scared.
23:06But reality shattered his last layer of delusion the very next day.
23:09Julia went straight to Mateo, sitting on a massive leather sofa.
23:13Mateo casually spun a pistol in his hand.
23:16Julia was heavily dressed up.
23:17She wore a tight, short dress, deliberately pulling down the collar to expose her collarbones.
23:26Her eyes were red as she spoke in a choked, breathy voice.
23:29Dawn, to be honest, I never liked Cassian's brutality from the start.
23:35Julia took a step closer, leaning her upper body over his mahogany desk, her voice dripping
23:40with seduction.
23:41He made me.
23:42He used his status to force me to stay with him.
23:45But in my heart, I have always admired men like you.
23:50Real men.
23:51Men with real power and ambition.
23:54A mocking gleam flashed in Mateo's eyes.
23:56Is that so?
23:57He forced you?
23:59Seeing Mateo hadn't kicked her out, Julia was thrilled.
24:02She even dropped to her knees, pressing herself against his leg.
24:06It is true.
24:08Cassian is nothing.
24:10He is a brainless coward.
24:12I never loved him.
24:15As long as you let me stay by your side, I will do anything you want.
24:22Julia!
24:26A roar of utter disbelief and raw fury echoed from the doorway.
24:30Cassian stared dead, eyed at Julia, who was kneeling on the floor, her dress half-off,
24:35offering herself to Mateo.
24:37You treacherous whore!
24:39He charged forward like a madman, wrapping his hands around Julia's throat and slamming
24:43her hard into the floor.
24:44I threw away my title as godfather for you!
24:48I abandoned my own mother for you!
24:51And you dare betray me?
24:52I will kill you!
24:54Julia screamed in terror, desperately slapping his arms, her eyes rolling into the back of
24:58her head.
24:59Cassian probably didn't realize that if Mateo hadn't explicitly ordered the downstairs guards
25:04to let him through, he wouldn't have even made it into the lobby.
25:07How could we throw a play without the lead actor?
25:09I stepped out from behind the concealed door, looking down at them from above.
25:13Traded a billion-dollar mafia empire for a woman like this.
25:17Your true love sure didn't come cheap, Cassian.
25:20That broke him.
25:21Hearing my voice, Cassian snapped his head up.
25:23Then, he suddenly started laughing like a complete psychopath.
25:27He was choking Julia, laughing out loud while massive tears rolled down his face.
25:31I was wrong!
25:32I was so fucking wrong!
25:34This circus ended with Mateo's bodyguards dragging them both out.
25:37Cassian's face was twisted with mania.
25:39I recognized that, look, it was the exact same one he'd had before he killed me in my
25:44past life.
25:44Have your guys keep an eye on him.
25:46He's about to go completely insane.
25:48Don't worry.
25:49This time around, I'm not letting anyone hurt you.
25:55When I received the video from my private investigator, I was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows
26:00holding a glass of red wine.
26:02The video showed an abandoned, rotting pier on the outskirts of Brooklyn.
26:06Cassian was drenched in rain, his eyes bloodshot.
26:09He had pawned his last pistol to hire a shady van, kidnapping both Julia and Jax.
26:14Fierce winds whipped the freezing ocean water against the rocks.
26:17Julia's hands and feet were bound with thick rope.
26:20Her face was twisted in sheer horror.
26:22Cassian!
26:23Cassian, I'm sorry!
26:25I really am!
26:27Please don't kill me!
26:29Let's start over, okay?
26:31I don't want any jewelry or money anymore!
26:34I only love you!
26:36I am so cold!
26:38My head hurts so much, Cassian!
26:41I have a fever!
26:42You used to care about me!
26:44She was using her usual pathetic act.
26:46In my past life, it was a sentence just like that, which drove Cassian mad with guilt.
26:52Making him throw me into the freezing, pitch, black river.
26:55This time, she got to taste the water herself.
26:57Faced with her begging, Cassian showed zero mercy.
27:00His face was locked in a mask of absolute manic hysteria.
27:03A fever?
27:05Perfect!
27:06It is nice and cool at the bottom of the ocean.
27:09Let me send you there right now!
27:11Cassian grabbed Julia by the hair and dragged her toward the edge of the pier.
27:15Didn't you say I was brainless?
27:17Didn't you say I was nothing?
27:18You bitch!
27:20You ruined my life!
27:22And now you are going to fucking die!
27:24Roaring, he tied a heavy cinder block tight to her ankles.
27:28Julia let out a scream of pure despair.
27:31Help!
27:32Help me!
27:33While Cassian was busy tying the knot, Jax, who was tied up nearby, had somehow managed
27:38to scrape through his zip ties.
27:40Pushed to the brink of death, his survival instinct kicked in.
27:43Jax broke free, grabbed a rusted piece of rebar from the ground, and lunged.
27:48He drove it straight into Cassian's back.
27:49Cassian let out a blood-curdling scream.
27:52He convulsed, staring in disbelief at the iron spike protruding from his stomach.
27:57The agonizing pain twisted his face, but he didn't fall, holding his bleeding stomach.
28:02A sickening, eerie grin spread across his face.
28:05If I'm going to hell, you are all coming with me!
28:11You are all coming with me!
28:13Using the very last ounce of his strength, he raised his foot and kicked Julia hard off
28:18the edge.
28:19Julia let out one final, piercing scream before plummeting straight into the dark ocean.
28:24The wind howled, and the waves swallowed her whole.
28:27Just like what I experienced in my past life.
28:30Now, it was returned to them exactly as they deserved.
28:33Drained of life, Cassian collapsed into a pool of his own blood.
28:36Coughing up bloody foam, he laughed maniacally at the sky.
28:39On my end of the screen, I calmly pressed pause.
28:42That lingering, suffocating chill.
28:44The trauma that had clung to my soul like a parasite since my rebirth finally dissipated
28:48into thin air.
28:49I made a phone call, my voice perfectly level.
28:51You can call the cops now.
28:53Tell them you spotted a wanted mafia fugitive with heavy deaths.
28:59The police quickly arrived at the pier.
29:02By then, Cassian was already half-conscious from blood loss.
29:05Jax, who had tried to hide in a shipping container, was dragged out in handcuffs like a dead dog.
29:10Three months later, the court delivered the final verdicts.
29:13Jax was convicted on multiple charges and sentenced to 20 years in a maximum security prison.
29:18Rumor had it that during his very first month, he was recognized by some thugs he had crossed on the
29:23outside,
29:24including the bookies he still owed money to.
29:26In a blind spot away from the security cameras, Jax's spine was accidentally snapped.
29:31For the rest of his miserable life, he would be paralyzed in a prison hospital bed, begging for death.
29:38Cassian, convicted of first-degree murder, was sentenced to death without delay.
29:42In his final days on death row due to a severe infection from his wound,
29:46he ran constant high fevers, leaving him delirious.
29:49In his endless suffering, he started having frequent hallucinations.
29:53In his delusions, he saw Valerie storm the yacht with a crew, dragging him back to the hospital.
29:58He saw himself pushing open the hospital doors,
30:01hearing the lawyer announce his name as he slipped on the black Onyx ring and became the all-powerful Don.
30:07In his dream, he was dressed in a sharp suit, sitting in the highest office of the Russo family empire.
30:13It was a glorious, dazzling future that belonged entirely to him.
30:17Cassian laughed out loud in his sleep.
30:19I am the Don. I am the Godfather.
30:22The violent slamming of the iron cell door ripped him out of his beautiful, decadent dream and dragged him back
30:28to reality.
30:28Cassian's eyes snapped open.
30:30There was no manor. There was no mafia empire.
30:33There was only a dark, damp death row cell that reeked of urine.
30:36He was wearing a rough prison uniform, heavy death row shackles binding his wrists.
30:41With every movement, the chains rattled with a terrifying metallic echo.
30:45A guard walked in deadpan, tossing a death warrant onto his cot.
30:49No. No, this isn't real.
30:51I was just signing contracts.
30:52I am the Don. Let me out!
30:54The psychological whiplash, plummeting from the throne straight into hell, shattered Cassian completely.
31:00That extreme agony of having it all and losing it sliced his soul to ribbons, cut by cut.
31:05But soon, a lethal injection silenced him forever.
31:08Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, a grey-haired woman, reeking of decay, rummaged through a dumpster.
31:15It was Carmela.
31:18The day she found out her son was sentenced to death, the shock caused a massive stroke, leaving her permanently
31:24paralyzed on one side.
31:26Mateo threw her out without a second thought, and her former cronies avoided her like the plague.
31:31Now, dragging her half-dead body around, she survived by begging on the streets of New York.
31:36Above her, the massive screens in Times Square broadcasted the financial news.
31:41On screen, Mateo, wearing an impeccable suit and surrounded by politicians, confidently announced the launch of a new multi-billion
31:48dollar syndicate.
31:49That was supposed to be her son.
31:50That was supposed to be her glory.
31:52A freezing gust of wind blew past, scattering her bitter, incoherent curses into the dark corners of the city.
31:59Inside a luxurious penthouse in Manhattan, Mateo and I sat across from each other by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
32:05On the table rested two neatly stacked documents.
32:08One was my finalized divorce decree.
32:10The other was a contract granting me a 20% dividend in the new syndicate.
32:14This was the deal Mateo and I made in the hospital that day.
32:17I fed him the intel-installed Cassian.
32:20In return, he gave me immense wealth and cleared every hurdle from my divorce.
32:24A pleasure-doingsness with you, Valerie.
32:26Mateo raised his whiskey glass with a slight, knowing smile.
32:30I stood up and walked to the glass, looking down at the glittering city below.
32:34In the distance, a brilliant firework bloomed across the skyline.
32:38I raised my glass, gently clinking it against his, listening to the crisp sound of ice hitting the crystal.
32:44I looked at the gorgeous night view and replied softly,
32:46Cheers to our new lives.
32:51When I took that bullet for Mateo, I only had one thought.
32:54I wasn't about to let my percentage go up in smoke.
32:57The shooter was one of Cassian's old loyalists.
32:59A desperate ghost who lost everything when Mateo took the throne, looking for payback.
33:04The bullet tore through my shoulder blade.
33:05The pain nearly blacked me out.
33:07Mateo's hands pressed hard against my wound, hot as branding irons.
33:11He growled something in my ear, but I didn't catch a word.
33:14I just felt his pounding heart against my chest.
33:17Three days later, I opened my eyes.
33:19Mateo was sitting right by the bed, wrinkled suit, dark stubble coating his jaw.
33:24Seeing me awake, his dark eyes immediately lit up.
33:27He leaned in close to my side.
33:28You're awake.
33:30Don't get emotional.
33:32I couldn't let my cash cow die.
33:35He grabbed my hand.
33:36His fingers clamped down so hard it almost hurt, like he was holding onto something he'd nearly lost forever.
33:42Valerie, I have a new proposition.
33:48Marry me.
33:49His voice was low.
33:50I froze.
33:50What?
33:51I couldn't entirely read.
33:52My brother is dead.
33:54And the old Capris won't stay quiet.
33:57You were a Russo wife for three years.
33:59You know their secrets better than anyone.
34:01I need you.
34:02He paused, then continued.
34:04And the real books?
34:05Family only.
34:06I make you my wife.
34:07You get the keys.
34:08It's the only way in.
34:10I stared at him.
34:11My pulse jumped.
34:12He needed me to secure his empire.
34:14Or so he said.
34:15He had plenty of enemies.
34:16Yes, but this.
34:17This wasn't just about the family anymore.
34:20A two-year contract.
34:21You'll be the real Donna.
34:2350% cut.
34:24When time is up, you walk away free.
34:27Cassian gave me nothing but three years of humiliation and betrayal.
34:31And this man, he was handing me a clean exit and half a mafia empire on a silver platter.
34:37What's the catch?
34:42Be my wife.
34:43A real wife, Valerie.
34:45Not a trophy like you were for Cassian.
34:48Which means?
34:49It means you move into my room.
34:51You sleep in my bed.
34:53You act like a loving wife in front of everyone.
34:55The air suddenly felt scorching.
34:57Mateo pulled a folded document from his inside jacket pocket.
35:00Termination clause is on the last page.
35:03I flipped to the back.
35:04My eyes caught on the words.
35:05Mateo's restrictions were packed into 12 bullet points.
35:08No coercion.
35:09Unrestricted movement.
35:10Absolute privacy.
35:12Separate finances.
35:13But my termination clause.
35:14Just one line.
35:15Triggered unilaterally.
35:16Effective immediately.
35:18Why?
35:19Because you're worth it.
35:21Three years.
35:22Nobody had ever said that to me.
35:26I didn't hesitate.
35:28My fingers shook slightly from the painkillers.
35:30But I signed my name.
35:31Mateo took the contract.
35:32He looked at my signature for a long second.
35:35Valerie.
35:36I promise you one thing.
35:38Nobody hurts you.
35:39Ever again.
35:40The door clicked shut.
35:42Then, my phone buzzed on the bedside tray.
35:44A single text message from Mateo.
35:47Pleasure doing business.
35:49Donna.
35:55For three days before the wedding, my room overflowed with luxury boxes.
35:59Mateo's men practically bought out half of Manhattan.
36:02Day one, five tailors showed up with four lookbooks.
36:05They measured around my shoulders like I was made of glass.
36:09Mr. Russo insisted all necklines must avoid your left shoulder.
36:13The gunshot wound was still healing, he remembered.
36:15Day two.
36:16Jewelers brought in trays of diamonds.
36:18I pointed at the cheapest, plainest white gold band.
36:21This one.
36:22The jeweler paled.
36:23He scurried to a corner and whispered into his phone.
36:26The Donna chose an entry-level piece.
36:28By evening, that plain band was gone.
36:31In its place sat a massive emerald-cut diamond ring.
36:34Vesim engraved on the inside.
36:36It easily cost a hundred times more than the band I picked.
36:39Day three.
36:40Maids stumbled in carrying the entire spring collection in champagne silk.
36:45What is all this?
36:46Mr. Russo said this is just pocket money.
36:49There are twelve more bags downstairs.
36:51I leaned against the vanity, staring at the sea of velvet boxes.
36:54Unbidden, a memory surfaced.
36:56The night before I married Cassian.
36:58I was stuck in a cheap motel room, ironing my own wrinkled wedding dress.
37:02Cassian had been forty minutes late.
37:04He was busy helping Julia pick out a gift.
37:06A bitter ache twisted in my chest, followed by a cold, hard sense of closure.
37:11I finally saw how pathetic I had been.
37:13How little I had settled for.
37:17The wedding took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
37:20I looped my arm through Mateo's as we walked down the aisle.
37:23The pews were packed with capos and rivals.
37:25Their stares sliced at me like blades.
37:27Chin up.
37:28Look straight ahead.
37:29His large, warm hand covered mine.
37:31Just like that, the suffocating hostility in the room vanished.
37:35The pipe organ roared to life.
37:37The priest read the vows.
37:39But it was all white noise.
37:40I only felt Mateo sliding that heavy emerald ring down my finger.
37:44You may kiss the bride.
37:46Mateo's hand cupped my jaw.
37:49The kiss was brief.
37:50A mere brush of lips.
37:52Late that night, I sat on the edge of our massive bed.
37:55The ring felt heavy, branding my skin.
37:57The shower ran in the master bathroom.
37:59I stared at the green stone, flashing back to my first wedding night.
38:03I had spent it alone, staring at the ceiling until dawn.
38:06Cassian had spent the whole night with Julia.
38:08The water shut off.
38:09Mateo stepped out.
38:10His dark hair was damp, sticking to his forehead.
38:12He wore a loose black robe.
38:14He walked straight to the window, his sharp eyes scanning the street below.
38:17A black SUV idled in the shadows across the street.
38:20Mateo turned back to me.
38:21A lazy, dangerous smirk played on his lips.
38:24Looks like we're sharing a bed tonight, wife.
38:33That night, I lay in his massive bed, completely tense.
38:37The bed was too big.
38:38It smelled just like him, making my heart hammer against my ribs.
38:41I waited for the nightmares.
38:43I waited for the feeling of freezing water under the Brooklyn Bridge.
38:46But at 3 a.m., my eyes snapped open.
38:48I realized I had slept soundly for five straight hours.
38:51The first time since I came back to life.
38:53I cracked the door open.
38:55Mateo was sitting on the living room couch.
38:57He was standing guard.
38:59My heart raced.
39:00A strange heat bloomed in my chest.
39:03At the board dinner three days later, old capo Ricci sneered at me.
39:07Everyone caught it.
39:09Collecting quite the consultation fee, aren't we, Don's wife?
39:12Consultation fee was old school mob slang.
39:14It meant skimmed money.
39:16Mateo sat at the head of the table.
39:17His whiskey glass paused in midair.
39:19He didn't say a single word.
39:20He was giving me the floor.
39:21I put down my silverware and calmly dabbed my mouth.
39:24You're right, Mr. Ricci.
39:26Consultation fees are a beautiful thing.
39:28Take the $170,000 you collected last month, for example.
39:32Wired to your mistress Cayman Islands account in three separate installments.
39:35First wire, $58,000.
39:37Transferred at 2.03 a.m. on the 5th.
39:40Second wire, $62,000.
39:424.17 p.m. on the 12th.
39:43Want me to recite the exact time and amount for the 3rd?
39:47The room was completely silent.
39:52I picked up my knife and casually sliced my steak.
39:55Relax.
39:56I don't care about your private life.
39:58Just stop testing me with cheap insults, and we can play nice.
40:02The whispers around the table vanished.
40:05Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mateo watching me.
40:08In the car ride back, Mateo suddenly broke the silence.
40:11You looked beautiful back there.
40:13I turned to him.
40:14What?
40:14When you were tearing him apart.
40:16Beautiful.
40:17A genuine laugh escaped me.
40:19The first time since I woke up in this body.
40:22Do that more, Valerie.
40:23You should smile more.
40:25That night, I dreamed of the Brooklyn Bridge again.
40:28Freezing water flooded my lungs.
40:30Julia stood on the bridge, looking smug as I sank into the dark.
40:33Help!
40:34I screamed.
40:35I jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat.
40:38I was gripping something.
40:39Hard.
40:40A large, warm hand.
40:42I turned my head in the dim moonlight.
40:44Mateo was sitting on the edge of the mattress.
40:46His voice was a low, rough rumble.
40:48You're safe.
40:50You're not there anymore.
40:51Who let you in?
40:52I was passing by.
40:53Your room is at the end of the hall.
40:55I said I was passing by.
40:57I slowly loosened my death grip on his hand.
41:00My breath caught.
41:01Four bloody crescent moons scarred the back of his hand.
41:03He hadn't made a single sound.
41:05Mateo lay down on the small sofa.
41:07I'm sleeping here tonight.
41:09Relax.
41:09I'm not interested in my business, partner.
41:12Go to sleep.
41:13I glared at his broad back for a long time before finally lying down.
41:16I could hear his steady breathing.
41:18It slowly eased my tense nerves.
41:20A dreamless night.
41:24Seven straight days.
41:25Mateo showed up on my sofa on the dot every night.
41:28Always with the same book.
41:29Always gone before dawn.
41:31I actually started looking forward to the sound of his breathing.
41:34But on the ninth morning, I opened my bedroom door.
41:37The sofa was empty.
41:38No book.
41:38No wrinkled jacket.
41:40Even his cedar scent was gone.
41:41I told myself it was fine.
41:43He had no obligation to babysit a partner's nightmares.
41:46But during the morning board meeting, my mind spun.
41:48I mixed up the gun and drug shipment numbers three times.
41:51The capos across the table exchanged confused looks.
41:55Mateo glanced at me from the head of the table several times, but stayed quiet.
41:59Late that night, I dragged my exhausted body home and pushed my door open.
42:03Mateo was casually stretched out on the sofa again.
42:05He was a few dozen pages further into his book.
42:08He acted like last night hadn't happened.
42:10It's late.
42:11He didn't look up.
42:12You don't have to do this.
42:13Sleeping here every night.
42:15Watching over me.
42:16You have your own bed.
42:18Your own room.
42:20Mateo closed his file and met my gaze.
42:23You're right.
42:24I don't have to.
42:24But I want to, Valerie.
42:26You want to?
42:27He leaned back.
42:29Call it protecting my investment.
42:31I knew it was an excuse.
42:33You stay sharp during the day.
42:35My money is safe.
42:36But for some reason, my heart did a wild flick.
42:42I lay in bed, listening to the soft rustle of pages.
42:45The faint creak of the leather sofa when he shifted.
42:47At 4 a.m. something pulled me out of bed.
42:50Without making a sound, I walked over and crouched by the sofa.
42:53Mateo seemed asleep, but his brows were knit tight like he was in pain.
42:56Moonlight spilled through the window, casting soft shadows on his sharp jawline.
43:01With his eyes closed, he looked younger.
43:03Thick brows.
43:04Long lashes.
43:05I reached out, wanting to smooth the crease between his brows.
43:08The second my fingers almost brushed his skin, his eyes snapped open.
43:12His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist.
43:14Our eyes locked.
43:15We were so close I could see my own reflection in his dark pupils.
43:18His voice was gravelly, laced with a dangerous tease.
43:21Touching costs extra.
43:22My face instantly burned.
43:25You had a smudge on your forehead.
43:27It was the lamest excuse I could come up with.
43:29Mateo stared at me for three agonizing seconds.
43:32Then he slowly released my wrist.
43:34Oh yeah?
43:35His lips twitched up.
43:36Did you wipe it off?
43:37I scrambled to my feet, my heart hammering.
43:40Yeah, it's gone.
43:41I bolted back to bed and cocooned myself in the blanket.
43:43My heartbeat was deafening.
43:45A low, raspy chuckle came from across the room.
43:47Next time you want to touch, just touch.
43:49On the house.
43:49I grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.
43:54Mateo, is this the legendary bitch who got your brother thrown on death row?
43:59Frankie DeMarco, a heavy-hitting arms broker, clamped a Cuban cigar in his teeth.
44:04Mateo ignored him.
44:05He kept flipping through the contract.
44:07DeMarco stubbed out his cigar.
44:09Fucks the older brother, then moves to the younger one.
44:12She must be a freak in the sheets.
44:14No wonder you married Cassian's leftovers.
44:18Before he could finish his breath, Mateo shot up.
44:20He flipped the heavy table with bare hands, vials, coffee mugs, and contracts smashed into DeMarco.
44:26Before DeMarco could even process it, Mateo vaulted over the wreckage and grabbed him by the tie.
44:31The first punch landed square on DeMarco's cheekbone.
44:34A loud crack echoed in the room.
44:36DeMarco screamed and tried to swing back.
44:38But Mateo's second punch shattered his nose.
44:41Blood spurted everywhere.
44:42It splattered across Mateo's crisp white shirt.
44:45Mateo raised his fist for a third strike.
44:47The sound of guns cocking echoed.
44:49Mateo, enough!
44:51I shouted, jumping to my feet.
44:53Mateo's fist froze in midair.
44:55Slowly, he released DeMarco's tie.
44:57But he didn't back down an inch.
44:59Now!
45:00Sign the contract with the original terms!
45:02DeMarco clutched his ruined nose.
45:04Blood poured through his fingers.
45:06Sign it or do you want to taste round three?
45:08Mateo held up his bloody fist.
45:09Shaking violently, DeMarco signed.
45:12In the car ride back, I stared at the red stains on Mateo's shirt.
45:16You shouldn't have been so reckless.
45:18It's just words, Mateo.
45:20Pull over!
45:21Mateo snapped at the driver.
45:23The SUV screeched to a halt.
45:25The privacy partition rolled up.
45:27Mateo turned to me.
45:28One large hand gripped the back of my neck.
45:30The other grabbed my chin.
45:31Then, his mouth crashed down on mine.
45:33My mind went completely blank.
45:35All I felt was his heat and his ragged breath.
45:37When he finally pulled away, we were both panting heavily.
45:42Nothing in the contract says I can't kiss you.
45:44His thumb roughly brushed my swollen lips.
45:46Anyone ever talks to you like that again, I'll kill them.
45:48I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
45:51Right then, Mateo's phone rang, shattering the heavy silence.
45:55Mateo, I'm back.
45:56I heard you got married.
45:57Mateo, I'm back.
45:59P�
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