- 1 day ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:03Vincenzo always got what he wanted.
00:05When he postponed our wedding for the 99th time, he expected me to accept it.
00:08He was wrong.
00:09I called the wedding planner with a steady hand.
00:12Scratch my name.
00:13The new bride will be Vincenzo's little assistant, Rosa.
00:16Miss Livian, I understand how you feel, but the wedding is already fully arranged.
00:20Are you sure you want to make this change?
00:21I lowered my eyes to the wedding gown sketch.
00:23The signature at the bottom were Vincenzo and Lillian, but there was a note written
00:26beside.
00:27Vincenzo always said she was just trying to help, but from the length of the carpet
00:30to the menu of drinks and desserts, she made all the decisions without me.
00:33Now the style of my own wedding dress.
00:35She wanted to stick her nose into that, too.
00:37A mermaid gown would suit her better.
00:38I turned the sketch over and answered calmly, I'm certain.
00:42Change the bride's name to Rosa.
00:44If she wanted it so badly, I would just leave her to it.
00:46I looked up at the framed photo on the wall, a picture of Vincenzo and me smiling so happily.
00:50From now on, our paths would never cross again.
00:52You could stay right where you were.
00:54As for me, I would leave this place behind.
00:56Find a life of my own.
01:00Sure, we will make the changes immediately.
01:03Then she paused.
01:05But shouldn't we inform Vincenzo first?
01:08There's no need.
01:12I still remember the day I first met Vincenzo.
01:15I was doing sketches in Brooklyn when he stepped out of that sharp jawline, dark eyes that held
01:21something dangerous.
01:23My heartbeat started to race and he smiled back at me, too.
01:26From that day on, we kept running into each other.
01:33A month later, he held a bouquet of red roses and asked me to be his.
01:40It was only then that I found out who he truly was, the heir to the Provenzano family, the next
01:48boss of the most powerful mafia family in New York City.
01:51But by then, I was already too far gone.
01:55Now, I looked around the exquisite villa.
01:57The crystal chandelier in the living room had been replaced.
02:00The silk sheets in the bedroom were chosen by Rosa because she found them softer.
02:05Even the candles by the entryway smelled like bluebells.
02:08Rosa's favorite.
02:09I was a stranger to my own house, after all.
02:16In the restroom, I splashed cold water on my face.
02:20On the marble countertop sat a used Tom Ford lipstick.
02:23Next to it lay a delicate pearl earring.
02:25They were all roses.
02:28I had no doubt.
02:29My phone buzzed.
02:31It was a text from Vincenzo.
02:35I replied, nothing big, just making some adjustments.
02:38Then he sent a photo.
02:40I stared at the screen, and my blood ran cold.
02:44Just last week, I went to try on my wedding dress alone.
02:48I couldn't breathe under the intricate corset straps.
02:50I called him for help, only to hear the loud noise in the background.
02:53Ask someone else, Lillian.
02:55Rosa's car broke down on the highway.
02:56I have to pick her up.
02:58I stood there for a half hour, suffocating, under the sympathetic gaze of the designer.
03:04And now, he was carefully adjusting his assistant's hemline,
03:07even expecting me to lend a hand.
03:10I dialed his number.
03:13Lillian, you already here?
03:15No.
03:16We're done, Vincenzo.
03:18This wedding?
03:25Vincenzo, stop talking on the phone.
03:27Quick, come look.
03:28How do I look in this dress?
03:30Beautiful.
03:31You look absolutely stunning in it.
03:34It occurred to him that I was still on the line.
03:38What were you saying about the wedding?
03:40Stop changing things once all is set.
03:42Nothing important.
03:43Take your time helping her pick.
03:44Don't be so sensitive.
03:45You know Rosa is my assistant.
03:46What she wears is a matter of the provisano's dignity.
03:49Of course I need to be more involved.
03:50I just ordered a ruby necklace for Rosa.
03:52The jeweler included a diamond bracelet as a bonus.
03:54I wasn't planning to keep it, but Rosa said it would look good on you.
03:57Just wait till I get out.
03:58Rosa's voice rang through again.
03:59The bracelet is perfect for the you, Lillian, since you don't really dress up anyway.
04:04Oh, and we can even wear it together, too.
04:07Perfect matching ones for the wedding day.
04:09Aren't you excited about it?
04:10Then I quietly hung up the phone.
04:12I saw my exhausted reflection in the mirror.
04:14Vincenzo had never seen Rosa's mocking smirk behind his shoulder.
04:18I could imagine the triumphant gleam in her eyes.
04:20Her intention was way too obvious.
04:23She wanted to use my own wedding to show the world who Vincenzo truly cherished.
04:30Three years ago, on Chicago streets, a gunfight broke out between the Provenzano family and the Provenzano drug cartel.
04:36Vincenzo always told everyone Rosa took a bullet for him and donated blood to save his life.
04:40He would never know.
04:40His lifesaver, the one who did all this for him, was me.
04:43It all happened too fast, leaving no evidence behind.
04:45When Vincenzo and I were both unconscious in ICU, Rosa had already left her name on the hospital records.
04:50I couldn't reveal the truth and didn't feel the need to.
04:52Even if Rosa did save his life, why should I pay the price?
04:55Every time he traveled, he brought Rosa luxury gifts worth tens of thousands.
04:59For me, a discounted toy picked up at an airport duty-free shop.
05:01Then, he postponed our wedding again and again, just for Rosa's lame excuses.
05:05He felt no sorry at all in front of me.
05:07Rosa has sacrificed too much for me.
05:09And the family, you know that.
05:11I finally realized at this point, words were meaningless when you were disappointed enough.
05:15You said yourself you don't like dressing up.
05:17Makeup and jewelry will be a waste.
05:19The postpones of the wedding are accidents.
05:21I promise, it won't be changed next time.
05:24I walked back into the bedroom, started packing my suitcase.
05:27The phone lit up.
05:27The chief editor of the top global fashion magazine.
05:30Lillian, your transfer to Milan has been approved.
05:33But are you sure about leaving tomorrow?
05:35Your wedding day?
05:36Will your fiancé even agree to this?
05:38I looked back at the marble counter.
05:40Rosa's Tom Ford lipstick.
05:41Rosa's delicate pearl earring.
05:44My voice had never sounded so light.
05:45He doesn't need to agree.
05:48He'll know that tomorrow.
05:51At ten o'clock that night, Vincenzo and Rosa returned to the villa together.
05:58Lillian, here.
05:59There wasn't even any gift wrapping.
06:01The gesture felt more like an obligation than a gift.
06:03Around Rosa's neck was the ruby necklace.
06:05The same rare necklace.
06:07Its deep crimson glow caught the light on our first anniversary.
06:10I had stopped in front of a jewelry store window, admiring a necklace just like it.
06:14It's tacky.
06:16The kind of things social media influencers wear.
06:18Now I understood.
06:19The necklace had never been the problem.
06:21It only looked cheap when it was on me.
06:23Lillian, look how careless Vincenzo is.
06:28He couldn't even be bothered to put your gift in a proper box.
06:33Though the diamond bracelet does suit you.
06:38You hardly ever go out anyway.
06:41Jewelry that expensive would just go to waste.
06:44Calmly, I closed the box.
06:48You are right.
06:50I looked at the ruby necklace around her neck.
06:52A necklace that valuable would be wasted on me.
06:58For a moment, surprise crossed Vincenzo's face.
07:02He looked at me as if only now realizing how quiet I had been all day.
07:10Rosa walked over to the leather sofa and sat down.
07:13Then she pulled the wedding schedule from her limited edition handbag.
07:16Her tone light and cheerful.
07:19Oh, Lillian!
07:20I changed the wedding car for tomorrow.
07:22She looked up with a smile.
07:24It's going to be a Ferrari now.
07:27You don't mind, do you?
07:28This was supposed to be my wedding.
07:30Lowering my eyes.
07:31I glanced at the suitcase by the front door and smiled faintly.
07:34I'm fine with it.
07:36Vincenzo froze for a moment.
07:37Following my gaze, he noticed the old suitcase.
07:40It was the one I had used when I first moved in with him.
07:43You're going on a trip.
07:46Wedding.
07:47The wedding is tomorrow.
07:49I looked at him calmly and was about to speak.
07:52Suddenly, the glass in Rosa's hands slipped from her fingers.
07:55It hit the carpet with a dull crash.
08:00Vincenzo, I'm so sorry.
08:04I suddenly felt dizzy.
08:06Are you feeling sick?
08:08Did the cold air get to you?
08:09Is your old injury acting up again?
08:10Every word was filled with concern.
08:12With worry.
08:14In the end, I never got the chance to finish what I wanted to say.
08:17I simply lowered my eyes and stared at the shattered glass.
08:20It had been a matching set.
08:22A pair of couple's glasses.
08:26Last year, Vincenzo bought Rosa an entire collection of handcrafted Italian porcelain.
08:31Could you give me something that means something to us, too?
08:34He frowned as if I were making a fuss over nothing.
08:37In the end, he casually commissioned a pair of matching glasses.
08:40It was the only time he had ever made an effort to reassure me.
08:43Now it was broken.
08:46I told you not to drink whiskey.
08:49How many times has the doctor warned you?
08:52You need to stay away from alcohol.
08:54He never even glanced in my direction.
08:56His tone sounded stern, but his eyes were full of concern for Rosa.
09:00Last winter, I ran a fever I could barely stand.
09:02Take an aspirin.
09:03You'll feel better tomorrow.
09:05But now Rosa had done nothing more than drop a glass.
09:08And he was already worried sick.
09:09Curled against his chest, Rosa looked at me with a provocative smile.
09:12Vincenzo, are you really going to dance the first dance with me tomorrow?
09:17Won't Lillian be upset?
09:19It's a promise I made to you after the shooting.
09:26Besides, Lillian isn't the type to make a fuss.
09:28She'll understand.
09:29I looked at the two of them leaning against each other.
09:32A quiet, bitter laugh escaped me.
09:34At a wedding that was supposed to be mine,
09:36the groom had chosen to share the opening dance with the bridesmaid.
09:42Seeing the faint smile on my face.
09:44I'm glad you understand.
09:49Rosa is my most capable assistant.
09:51She's still recovering, and her old injury hasn't fully healed.
09:54I should be taking better care of her.
09:56Rosa immediately snuggled closer against his chest,
09:58and let out a satisfied little sigh.
10:01Lillian,
10:02don't get the wrong idea.
10:05Honestly, I'm jealous of you.
10:08After tomorrow, you'll officially be the Donna.
10:11I couldn't help thinking about how different Vincenzo used to be.
10:14His warm hands would gently stroke my back when he thought I was asleep.
10:18At family gatherings, he would pull me into some dim corner
10:21and press heated kisses against my lips.
10:23Now he barely looked at me at all.
10:25Vincenzo lowered his gaze to Rosa.
10:27Feeling any better?
10:28Rosa wrapped her arms around his neck and offered him a weak smile.
10:33I'm still a little dizzy.
10:36Then I'll take you upstairs.
10:41Only then did he seem to remember I was still standing there.
10:45The wedding's tomorrow. Get some rest.
10:48Once I've settled Rosa in, I'll come check on you.
10:51With that, he lifted Rosa into his arms and headed straight for the second floor.
10:55They walked into the master bedroom.
10:57The bedroom Vincenzo and I had shared for five years.
10:59The door clicked shut behind them and stayed closed.
11:10I walked calmly over to my suitcase and slipped my passport inside.
11:13Just as I closed the lid, a sharp pain suddenly tore through my abdomen.
11:17My legs gave out beneath me.
11:19I collapsed onto the floor,
11:20cold sweat soaking through my clothes within seconds.
11:23It was the old wound,
11:24the one I had gotten when I took a bullet for Vincenzo.
11:26He had always believed I was simply injured during the chaos of the shootout.
11:30My trembling fingers found my phone.
11:31I dialed his number.
11:32Vincenzo.
11:33I could barely get the words out.
11:34My stomach hurts.
11:35I can hardly walk.
11:37Can you take me to the hospital?
11:38There was a brief silence.
11:39Then Rosa's voice drifted through the phone, soft and nasal.
11:42Vincenzo, I'm still feeling dizzy.
11:44I want some bread with white truffle.
11:46Immediately, Vincenzo lowered his voice.
11:48Rosa's only just started feeling better.
11:50She can't be left alone right now.
11:51Then he added,
11:52Lillian, she's not as strong as you are.
11:55Curled up on the carpet,
11:56I felt as though a knife were twisting inside my abdomen.
11:59Another wave of pain hit,
12:00leaving me drenched in sweat.
12:02I really can't take this anymore.
12:04For a moment, neither of them spoke.
12:06Then Rosa said gently,
12:07Vincenzo, maybe you should go check on our future Donna?
12:10She didn't even finish the sentence before he cut her off.
12:12Don't push yourself.
12:13Then he turned his attention back to me.
12:15Don't overthink it.
12:17Dizziness is serious.
12:18You probably just ate something that upset your stomach.
12:21I'll call an ambulance for you right now.
12:23The line went dead.
12:24I stared at the closed door of the master bedroom upstairs.
12:28From the living room to the staircase
12:29was no more than a dozen steps.
12:31Yet even that distance was too far for him to walk for me.
12:36Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang.
12:38He still hadn't come downstairs.
12:40I had no choice but to brace myself against the wall
12:42and slowly make my way to the door.
12:44When I opened it,
12:45the medical staff immediately noticed how pale I was
12:47and moved to support me.
12:49Where are your family members?
12:50They asked.
12:50I forced a small smile.
12:51They're upstairs.
12:52He can't come down.
12:53When I woke again,
12:54the sky was still dark.
12:56The smell of disinfectant filled the air.
12:58A needle was inserted into the back of my hand
13:00and cold fluids slowly dripped into my veins.
13:02My best friend, Melissa,
13:04sat by the bed with red-rimmed eyes,
13:06gripping my medical report tightly.
13:07Have you completely lost your mind?
13:09That gunshot wound caused gastric nathoropathy?
13:12The damage to your stomach liner is permanent.
13:15And you're still planning to fly to Milan alone tomorrow?
13:19My throat felt dry and painful.
13:21Has the flight been changed?
13:23Melissa let out a bitter laugh.
13:24Move to tomorrow night.
13:26And your wedding?
13:27Is it really true the bride has been replaced?
13:29Don't joke about something like that.
13:31I looked out of the window.
13:32I'm not joking.
13:34I changed it myself.
13:35Melissa froze.
13:36I handed her my phone.
13:37On the screen was the wedding planner's confirmation
13:39sent in the early hours of the morning,
13:41clearly showing Vincenzo and Rosa's names.
13:43She stared at it for a long moment before speaking.
13:46Does he know about this?
13:47I shook my head.
13:48He doesn't.
13:49And there's no need for him to know anymore.
13:51Just as I finished speaking,
13:52the hospital door was pushed open.
13:54Vincenzo walked in.
13:58Vincenzo walked in with Rosa behind him.
14:00She wore a white mini dress,
14:02his suit jacket draped over her shoulders,
14:04around her neck.
14:04The ruby necklace caught the hospital lights.
14:06The doctor says there's nothing serious.
14:09Since you're awake,
14:10we should stop delaying what needs to be done.
14:12I hadn't even understood what he meant
14:14when Rosa clapped her hands lightly.
14:16A group of people poured into the room.
14:19Bridesmaids, photographers, makeup artists,
14:21even a few elders from the Provenzano family.
14:24They carried champagne, balloons, and ribbons.
14:26Within seconds,
14:27the quiet hospital room was filled with wedding decorations.
14:30Melissa stood up abruptly.
14:32She's still on an IV.
14:34What exactly are you doing?
14:36Vincenzo frowned.
14:37She's just a little unwell.
14:39We'll treat this as the wedding venue.
14:41Lillian is always considerate.
14:43She won't mind.
14:44Rosa immediately looped her arm through his.
14:47It was my idea.
14:49If the Donna isn't feeling well,
14:51it's fine.
14:51We can wait.
14:53Don't ruin everyone's mood.
14:54Rosa spent a long time preparing all of this.
14:57A sharp pain shot through the back of my hand.
15:00The IV needle had shifted.
15:02Blood began to flow backward into the clear tube.
15:04A thin line of red standing up violently
15:06against the sterile surroundings.
15:11After all these years,
15:13among everyone around Vincenzo,
15:14you're the one who understands him best.
15:17Vincenzo's aunt stepped forward
15:18and patted Rosa's hand with a smile.
15:21A few bridesmaids quickly chimed in.
15:22Exactly.
15:23We've always thought Vincenzo and Rosa
15:25were the perfect match.
15:29If Rosa hadn't only seen him as her boss,
15:31no one else would have had a chance.
15:33Only after saying that
15:35did they seem to notice me.
15:36They laughed lightly and added,
15:39Oh, Donna, don't take it to heart.
15:41We're just joking.
15:43I looked around the room.
15:44The entire Provenzano family,
15:46every single person knew Rosa.
15:48They were close to her,
15:49familiar with her.
15:50Even the bridesmaids were all her friends.
15:52And I,
15:53the legally recognized bride,
15:55lay in a hospital bed,
15:56like an outsider accidentally pulled
15:58into someone else's scene.
15:59Vincenzo finally walked over
16:01and adjusted the IV drip.
16:02I looked up at him.
16:03A dull ache pulsed through my stomach,
16:06wave after wave.
16:07And yet my mind was strangely calm.
16:09I asked him,
16:11Vincenzo,
16:12do you really think the bride today is me?
16:17What are you talking about?
16:18He glanced at his watch again.
16:20In seven hours,
16:21we'll be standing at the altar
16:22exchanging vows.
16:24Aren't you happy?
16:25I smiled faintly.
16:26I am very happy.
16:28And I'm looking forward
16:29to the surprise I've prepared
16:31for you at the wedding.
16:32Vincenzo focused on me,
16:33a flicker of expectation
16:34crossing his eyes.
16:36A surprise?
16:37I hadn't seen that expression
16:39in a long time.
16:40It brought me back
16:40to when we first started dating,
16:42the first time I made him Tiramisi.
16:44Lillian,
16:45as long as it's made by you,
16:47I like it.
16:48Back then,
16:49he truly had me in his heart.
16:50I had never been wrong about that.
16:52The time had passed,
16:52and he had changed,
16:53just as a hint
16:54of that old anticipation
16:56returned to his face.
16:57I was about to speak.
16:59What surprise is it?
17:00Did you prepare a gift too?
17:02I didn't answer.
17:03The nurse came over
17:04to remove my IV.
17:05The moment the needle
17:06left my skin,
17:07a small bead of blood
17:08slowly surfaced.
17:10Vincenzo's gaze
17:10flicked toward him,
17:11a trace of unease
17:12crossing his eyes.
17:14The wedding is about to start.
17:16Rest first,
17:16I'll come back for you later.
17:18He turned to leave.
17:20Vincenzo.
17:23I said I don't want
17:24this wedding anymore.
17:25I want a travel wedding instead.
17:27I want to leave right now.
17:29Would you leave with me?
17:34The room fell into silence
17:35in an instant.
17:36The photographer
17:37held his camera midair.
17:38Lillian,
17:38this isn't the time
17:39to be unreasonable.
17:40Rosa's eyes
17:41immediately turned red.
17:42Are you upset with me
17:43for interfering?
17:44If my presence
17:45is making you uncomfortable,
17:46I can leave New York
17:47right now?
17:47Her body swayed
17:48as if she might collapse.
17:49Rosa!
17:50He pulled her into his arms,
17:51then turned back to me
17:52with a frown.
17:53You see it yourself.
17:54She's not well,
17:55and she's been working
17:56so hard for our wedding.
17:57I told you!
17:58My finger was still
17:59pressing the cotton swab
18:00against my hand.
18:01I understand.
18:03I won't be jealous anymore.
18:05I've truly accepted it now.
18:07That's good.
18:08I'm glad you've come around.
18:10I'll take Rosa back
18:11to rest first.
18:12The wedding car
18:13will come for you later.
18:14With that,
18:14he helped Rosa
18:15out of the room.
18:16The door clicked
18:16shut behind them.
18:18I looked down
18:19at the bloodstain
18:20spreading across
18:21the cotton on my hand.
18:22This was my last chance,
18:23and once again,
18:24he chose her.
18:29Are you really
18:30still going to that wedding?
18:31I peeled the medical tape
18:32off the back of my hand,
18:33and I pressed it down casually.
18:35No.
18:36Take me home.
18:40The moment I pushed
18:41the door open,
18:42every detail in the house
18:43reflected Rosa's preferences.
18:47A strong scent
18:49of bluebells rushed toward me,
18:51golden champagne-colored ribbons
18:52hung from the staircase railing.
18:54The living room
18:54was still filled with pastries,
18:56and I dragged my suitcase upstairs.
18:58The master bedroom door
18:59was slightly ajar,
19:00but neither Vincenzo
19:01nor Rosa was inside.
19:02Her lipstick and earrings
19:03still sat on the vanity.
19:04The home I once thought
19:06I belonged to now
19:06felt like a hotel
19:07she had briefly stayed in.
19:09I looked away
19:09and opened the drawer.
19:11Inside was the wedding ring
19:12Vincenzo had given me.
19:13Simple, thin,
19:14unremarkable.
19:15A wedding ring
19:16is just a formality.
19:17It doesn't need to be flashy.
19:19I took out the ring
19:20and placed it beside
19:21the cheap diamond bracelet.
19:22Then I removed
19:23the framed photo
19:23from the wall.
19:25I took a set of clothes
19:26and put them on.
19:31I placed the villa keys
19:32and wedding itinerary
19:33on the coffee table
19:34in the living room.
19:35I took Vincenzo's
19:36Montblanc pen
19:36and wrote in the blank space,
19:38congratulations on your marriage,
19:40as if it had quietly
19:41ended everything
19:41that came before.
19:46My phone vibrated.
19:48A message from Vincenzo.
19:49The wedding car
19:50is already downstairs
19:51at the hospital.
19:52Where are you?
19:53A second message
19:54followed immediately.
19:55Stop being upset.
19:57Everyone is waiting for you.
19:58I glanced at the screen
19:59and didn't reply.
20:00Your passport and tickets
20:01are all here.
20:03Everything in Milan
20:04has been arranged.
20:05I nodded.
20:06Before leaving,
20:07I turned back
20:08to look at the house.
20:09The chandelier was still lit
20:11with a warm glow.
20:12But this place
20:13had never truly belonged to me.
20:15I closed the door
20:16firmly behind me.
20:18Melissa took my hand.
20:20Let's go.
20:21Don't look back.
20:22Security check
20:23and boarding
20:23went smoothly
20:24at the airport.
20:25Then my phone lit up again.
20:27A message from
20:28the editor-in-chief
20:28of the magazine.
20:29Your new identity
20:30in Milan
20:31has been fully confirmed.
20:33Once you land,
20:34you will be
20:35our new fashion director.
20:36I powered off
20:37my phone completely,
20:38cutting off
20:38every remaining thread
20:39to the past.
20:41And then,
20:41the cabin intercom
20:43crackled to life.
20:44Ladies and gentlemen,
20:45we sincerely apologize.
20:47Due to an emergency
20:48search request
20:49from the Provenazzo family,
20:51all departing flights
20:52have been temporarily suspended.
20:56The announcement in the cabin
20:57kept repeating
20:58over and over.
21:00The Provenzano family's influence
21:01had brought
21:02all departures
21:03to a halt.
21:03I ran my fingers
21:04along the cold
21:05airplane window.
21:06There was no panic
21:07on my face,
21:07only a hollow,
21:08distant calm.
21:10Vincenzo has lost it.
21:11He actually used
21:11the family's power
21:12to shut down the airport.
21:13I shook my head slightly.
21:15Then I unlocked my phone.
21:17Several anonymous messages
21:19appeared instantly.
21:21I recognized Rosa immediately.
21:24Attached were several photos.
21:26My fingers paused.
21:27Five years of love
21:28shattered completely
21:29within those images.
21:30Melissa had arranged
21:31a private jet
21:32through magazine connections.
21:33The back route is ready.
21:35We go straight
21:36through the tarmac.
21:37No one will stop you.
21:41I followed Melissa
21:43through the airport's
21:44service corridor.
21:45The dull pain
21:45suddenly spread
21:46through my abdomen.
21:47The old injury.
21:48The permanent wound
21:49left from taking a bullet
21:50for Vincenzo years ago.
21:51I grabbed the wall
21:52to steady myself.
21:53Cold sweat soaking
21:54my hairline.
21:55The memory of Chicago
21:56came rushing back.
21:57I threw myself
22:01over Vincenzo
22:02without hesitation.
22:03The bullet tore
22:04through my abdomen.
22:05Blood soaked
22:06into his suit.
22:07Before I lost consciousness
22:08I saw Rosa hiding
22:10at the corner of the street.
22:11Her eyes were cold
22:12calculating.
22:13When I woke up
22:14everyone said
22:15Rosa had saved him.
22:16That she had given him blood.
22:18That she had stayed
22:19by his side
22:19through the danger.
22:20I tried to explain
22:21the truth.
22:22But Vincenzo
22:23only saw jealousy.
22:25Rosa is my savior.
22:26You shouldn't target her.
22:28Back then
22:29I still held on to hope.
22:31I believed sincerity
22:32could be returned
22:33with sincerity.
22:34That five years together
22:36meant more than
22:36a stolen story.
22:38But now
22:39watching her take my wedding
22:40my love
22:42my life
22:44I finally understood.
22:45From the very beginning
22:47this had all been my illusion.
22:49Vincenzo's devotion
22:50had never belonged to me.
22:53I closed my eyes
22:54and I opened the door.
22:56There was only resolve left.
22:58Even if Vincenzo
22:59knelt before me right now
23:00I would never look back.
23:08When Vincenzo arrived
23:10in the car
23:10he wanted to
23:11run by his left.
23:12The cold announcement
23:13echoed endlessly
23:14through the terminal.
23:15The rage around him
23:16was so intense
23:17that even his bodyguards
23:19dared not step closer.
23:20The wedding planner
23:22trembling
23:22handed him
23:23the modification record.
23:24On the screen
23:24everything was
23:25clearly displayed.
23:27Lillian had personally
23:28called and changed
23:28the bride's name to Rosa
23:29and it had happened
23:30at the exact moment
23:31he was with Rosa
23:32trying on dresses.
23:34Who gave her
23:35the right to do that?
23:38Vincenzo roared
23:39hurling his phone
23:41to the ground.
23:42The screen
23:42shattered instantly.
23:48Rosa rushed over
23:49soon after
23:50her eyes red
23:51carefully clinging
23:52to his arm.
23:54Vincenzo
23:54please don't be angry.
23:57Lillian must just be
23:59upset and acting out.
24:03But this time
24:04Vincenzo abruptly
24:05pushed her away.
24:06It's all my fault.
24:08I shouldn't have given
24:09so many opinions
24:10about the wedding.
24:11For the first time
24:12he truly looked at her
24:13the ruby necklace
24:14around her neck
24:15the one he had once
24:15refused to buy
24:16for Lillian
24:17the dress she wore
24:17the one Lillian
24:18had tried on alone
24:19only to be ignored
24:20by him.
24:21All these years
24:21Lillian's silence
24:22her restraint
24:23her repeated
24:24disappointments
24:24a strange panic
24:26seized his chest.
24:27For the first time
24:28he had a feeling
24:29he might have missed
24:30something irreversible
24:30something that would
24:31haunt him for the rest
24:32of his life.
24:36Vincenzo deployed
24:37the full power
24:38of the Provenzano family
24:39every exit in New York
24:40was sealed
24:41airports
24:41train stations
24:43ports
24:43private runways
24:45all were subjected
24:46to a complete search
24:47but there was nothing
24:49no trace of her
24:50anywhere
24:51the villa
24:52he tore through
24:53every room
24:54all he found
24:55was a set of keys
24:56the wedding itinerary
24:58and a simple wedding ring
24:59returned and left behind
25:01on the coffee table
25:06on the invitation
25:07Rose's name
25:08was printed neatly
25:09beside it
25:09in Lillian's handwriting
25:11in well were only
25:11a few words
25:12congratulations
25:13on your marriage
25:14a single line
25:15cold
25:16precise
25:16emotionless
25:17yet it struck him
25:18like a blade
25:19straight through the heart
25:20night
25:21after night
25:22without sleep
25:23every time
25:24he closed his eyes
25:25he saw her
25:26in that hospital bed
25:27Rose's final
25:28resolute eyes
25:29and for the first time
25:30Vincenzo felt real fear
25:32he finally understood
25:34that the girl
25:35who had quietly
25:36stayed by his side
25:37all these years
25:38who had endured
25:39everything without a word
25:40was truly gone
25:42this was not a tantrum
25:44not a moment of anger
25:45she had disappeared
25:47completely
25:49irrevocably
25:50from his world
25:54sensing Vincenzo's
25:55growing suspicion
25:56Rose had dropped
25:57all pretense
25:58she went public
25:59everyone
26:00look
26:02this is our wedding venue
26:05soon
26:06I'll be the Donna
26:07of the Provenetzo family
26:09she held up the luxury gifts
26:10Vincenzo had given her
26:11one by one
26:12displaying them
26:12to the camera
26:13all of these
26:14were prepared by
26:18Vincenzo
26:19he said
26:20I'm the only one
26:21who belongs by his side
26:23then deliberately
26:24she mentioned Lillian
26:25as for Lillian
26:27she just couldn't handle
26:28things and left on her own
26:33Vincenzo has always had me
26:35in his heart
26:36the live stream exploded
26:38instantly across North American
26:40social media
26:40gossip about the
26:42Provenzano family
26:43spread like wildfire
26:44some felt sorry for Lillian
26:46far more
26:46for the beauty of Rose
26:47convinced she was Vincenzo's true love
26:49Rose even had a stream broadcast
26:51on giant screens
26:53across central New York
26:54ensuring Vincenzo would see it
26:56she believed
26:57that as long as she held
26:58onto his guilt and trust
26:59she could secure her place
27:01as Donna
27:01she had no idea
27:02that every word of hers
27:03every display
27:05every provocation
27:06only drove Vincenzo
27:08deeper into regret
27:09as he stared at her
27:10smug face
27:11on the massive screen
27:12the memory of all
27:13the silent suffering
27:14Lillian had endured
27:15tore through him
27:16like a blade
27:17for the first time
27:18he understood
27:19the person he had cherished
27:20protected and believed
27:22in all these years
27:22as nothing but a thief
27:26under Melissa's arrangements
27:28I boarded a private jet
27:29to Milan
27:30without any obstacles
27:31I watched New York
27:33shrink beneath the clouds
27:34for the first time
27:36I felt the weight
27:37I had been carrying
27:37begin to lift
27:38the old wound
27:39in my abdomen
27:40still ached faintly
27:41but my mind
27:42had never been clearer
27:43when I arrived in Milan
27:44I officially stepped
27:45into my new identity
27:46Emily
27:47fashion director
27:48at a leading magazine
27:49I rented an apartment
27:50with a terrace
27:51overlooking Milan's
27:52gothic architecture
27:53sunlight poured in
27:54through the windows
27:55warm, steady
27:56and real
27:57no bluebell scent
27:58no suffocating presence
28:00of the mafia world
28:01only a quiet
28:02that belonged entirely to me
28:03I threw myself into work
28:05with my background in art
28:06and my instinct for aesthetics
28:08I quickly found my place
28:09in Milan's fashion circle
28:11I stopped wearing soft
28:12subdued clothes
28:14I stopped dressing
28:14for anyone else
28:15in my free time
28:17waiting
28:17or silent resentment
28:18only life moving forward
28:20I deleted every social media account
28:22and cut off all news
28:24in three days
28:26Vincenzo
28:26to finally track down
28:27the attending physician
28:28the doctor was brought
28:30before him
28:30trembling violently
28:31too frightened
28:32to conceal anything
28:33it was Miss Lillian
28:35who took the bullet for you
28:36it went through her abdomen
28:37she was on the brink of death
28:39she was also the one
28:41who donated blood to you
28:42your blood types
28:42were a perfect match
28:44after you both lost consciousness
28:46Miss Rosa bribed hospital staff
28:48and altered the medical records
28:49she took all the credit
28:50for saving you
28:52Miss Lillian even came to me
28:53after she woke up
28:54asking for confirmation
28:55but I was threatened
28:56by Miss Rosa
28:57and never dared
28:58to tell the truth
28:58the doctor then handed over
29:00a sealed original medical file
29:02inside
29:02everything was clearly documented
29:04the diagnosis
29:05the emergency procedures
29:07the blood transfusion records
29:09attached were photographs
29:10from that day
29:11one showing Lillian
29:12throwing herself in front of Vincenzo
29:14and another showing Rosa
29:15hiding in the shadows
29:16Vincenzo's hands
29:17tightened around the documents
29:19they began to tremble uncontrollably
29:20tears fell onto the paper
29:22without warning
29:23he thought of Lillian's old
29:24the moment the truth
29:26was exposed
29:27Vincenzo's rage exploded
29:28he stormed into the villa
29:29with his men
29:30and dragged Rosa out of the bathroom
29:31she was wrapping his throat
29:33and trembling violently
29:34Vincenzo
29:35what's wrong with you?
29:37shut up
29:37his hand locked around her throat
29:39his eyes looked like
29:40something dragged up from hell
29:41you lied to me for five years
29:43you stole everything
29:44that belonged to her
29:45you deserve to die
29:46he slammed the original
29:47medical record into her face
29:48the moment the evidence
29:49hit her hands
29:50Rosa went completely
29:51painted with the mask
29:52finally shattered
29:52I didn't mean to
29:54I just love you
29:55Vincenzo
29:56I love you so much
29:58I only wanted to stay
30:00by your side
30:00her voice broke into
30:01hysterical screams
30:02and sobs
30:03but Vincenzo
30:04immediately called off
30:05the wedding
30:05and ordered every decoration
30:07torn down
30:07no one in the Provenzano family
30:09dared question him
30:10but there was only one thought
30:11left in his mind
30:12find her
30:13and beg for forgiveness
30:14even if it cost him everything
30:15even if it broke him completely
30:20Vincenzo requisitioned
30:21every private helicopter
30:22in the Provenzano family
30:23a single-handed photo
30:25circulating on social media
30:26eventually exposed my location
30:28by accident
30:29and at last
30:29he found my new identity
30:30Emily
30:31an employee
30:31at a fashion magazine
30:32living in a small apartment
30:34in central Milan
30:35helicopters from the Provenzano family
30:36crossed Paris
30:37London and Rome
30:38before finally hovering over Milan
30:40he stepped out in a black suit
30:41his eyes were bloodshot
30:42his face was gaunt
30:43drained of all former arrogance
30:46there was nothing left
30:47of the feared Mafia King
30:48only a man who had been hollowed out
30:50he stood beneath my apartment building
30:51staring up at the faint light
30:53on the terrace
30:53the silhouette of me
30:55sometimes appearing by the window
30:56his heart pounded violently
30:58yet his feet refused to move
30:59he was afraid
31:00afraid that his presence
31:01would destroy the fragile
31:02me sketching on the roadside
31:04sunlight falling over me
31:05like a painting
31:06my flushed faith
31:07Vincenzo requisitioned
31:08every private helicopter
31:09in the Provenzano family
31:11a single-handed photo
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