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Court Métrage
Enjoy addictive short dramas packed with romance, betrayal, revenge, emotional moments, and shocking plot twists.
From billionaire love stories to hidden identities and dramatic relationships, Drama Tales delivers nonstop entertainment with fast-paced storytelling and unforgettable characters.
🔥 Viral Shorts Drama
💔 Romance & Heartbreak
⚡ Unexpected Plot Twists
🎭 Emotional Drama Series
New episodes uploaded regularly. Subscribe and enjoy the world of short drama entertainment with Drama Tales
#ShortDrama #DramaSeries
Catégorie
🎥
Court Métrage
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TVTranscription
00:07Valentina, don't marry him!
00:12Do you want him gone?
00:18Two days before our wedding, my fiancé postponed it by 10 days for the woman he'd never gotten over.
00:23Celesta told me our wedding falls on the same day as her birthday party.
00:26It's her first birthday since her husband died.
00:29I can't miss it, or she'll fall apart.
00:31Valentina, we're going to get married sooner or later. What difference does a week make?
00:35This was the third time he had cancelled our wedding because of Celeste.
00:38The first time, Celeste claimed she had severe depression.
00:41He dropped everything, rushed to her side, and stayed with her for an entire week.
00:47The second time, Celeste wanted to see the Northern Lights.
00:50He worried about her traveling alone while she was emotionally fragile,
00:53so he went with her and stayed away for 10 days.
00:56Now it was happening a third time, but this time, I didn't argue.
00:59I didn't raise my voice or accuse him of anything.
01:01He thought I was a helpless orphan with nowhere to go.
01:04He believed I would never leave him.
01:05He had no idea I was the princess of the powerful Romano crime family.
01:10To hide my identity and marry an ordinary man outside our world,
01:14I'd made a three-month bet with my father.
01:16I bet I could live a normal life and marry the man I chose.
01:20But I lost.
01:21My fiancé thought this was just another delay.
01:25He didn't know there would never be another wedding.
01:30When I got home, I started packing my things.
01:36An hour later, my fiancé, Adrian, pushed open the door.
01:40He saw the suitcase beside the bed and let out a cold laugh.
01:44Running away again?
01:45Valentina, we've been together for four years.
01:47Every time we argue, you pack a suitcase and threaten to leave.
01:50Aren't you tired of this little act?
01:54His jaw tightened.
01:55All because I postponed the wedding?
01:58You're overreacting.
02:00It's only 10 days, Valentina.
02:0210 days.
02:04It's not like I'm refusing to marry you.
02:07Impatience filled his voice, but I didn't back down.
02:10I'm not running away.
02:12I'm just sorting through my things.
02:14In my head, I finished the sentence so I can leave you for good.
02:17Since you're already packing, why don't you clear out the guest room too?
02:21Celeste has been feeling low and needs company.
02:24She'll stay with us for a while.
02:27I pushed my packed suitcase into the corner without lifting my eyes.
02:31All right.
02:32I'll have a guest room prepared.
02:34I agreed so easily that he froze.
02:35One hand still clutched his tie as he searched my face for the anger I must be hiding.
02:40Then his shoulders relaxed and his tone softened.
02:42Listen.
02:43I know this isn't easy for you.
02:46Go to Ivy Jewelry tomorrow and choose anything you like.
02:49I'll pay.
02:51And I probably won't have much time for you.
02:53Over the next few days.
02:55Celeste bought a place near ours and needs help setting it up.
02:59Furniture, cleaning, that sort of thing.
03:01I promised I'd supervise the workers.
03:04He stepped closer and rested a hand on my shoulder.
03:07After Celeste's birthday, I'll make it up to you.
03:09I promise.
03:11No need.
03:12I have plenty to do.
03:14Actually, I was planning to clear some things out of the music room.
03:18Adrian nodded distractedly, already turning toward the hallway.
03:22Perfect.
03:22Celeste likes the light in that room.
03:24She wants to use it as her study.
03:27Move out all that useless stuff so she can decorate it.
03:29I drew a slow breath.
03:31Fine.
03:32The music room is hers.
03:33So was he.
03:35For the next hour, I contacted my staff and arranged for a complete set of bedding and
03:40toiletries to be delivered to the villa.
03:42Every item was chosen to match Celeste's famously picky taste.
03:46I knew her preferences almost better than my own.
03:48Whenever Adrian spoke about her over the years, I had committed every little detail to memory.
03:55Later, I passed the kitchen.
03:57The stove was roaring.
03:58Adrian stood at the counter with his back to the door, cooking.
04:01He gripped a frying pan in one hand and used the other to drop raw vegetables into a bubbling
04:05pot.
04:06His shirt sleeves were rolled to his forearms, exposing the firm muscles beneath.
04:09A crooked apron hung from his waist, its ties dangling loose behind him.
04:12Sweat beaded at his temples and dampened the hair clinging to his skin.
04:15Celeste leaned against the island beside him, her elbows resting on the marble countertop
04:19as she tilted her head.
04:20She wore a loose house dress and stood barefoot on the cool tile.
04:23Every few seconds, she brushed the damp hair from his forehead or wiped the sweat between
04:27his brows.
04:27The gestures were natural and practiced.
04:29They looked like a loving married couple.
04:31I froze in the doorway.
04:32My feet rooted to the floor.
04:34Creamy mushroom soup simmered on the stove Celeste's favorite.
04:37I stood there and watched for exactly three seconds.
04:40Then I turned and walked toward the end of the hall.
04:42Adrian's footsteps followed.
04:43He caught up at the corner, still holding the soup ladle.
04:45Irritation flashing across his face.
04:47Valentina, Celeste hasn't had much of an appetite lately.
04:50She can barely eat.
04:51I only made her a quick meal.
04:53Don't read too much into it.
04:56I looked at the ladle in his hand.
04:58A drop of thick creamy soup clung to the rim.
05:00Something crushed my chest and my breaths turned quick and shallow.
05:03Ever since we moved into this villa ever since I took my place beside him as his fiancée
05:07I had managed everything in our home.
05:09Every meal, every purchase, every holiday gift for both families, every guest list for
05:13every dinner.
05:14I tended the garden.
05:15Every night, I matched his cuff links to his tie and laid them neatly on the dressing room
05:19tray.
05:19I never let him worry about a single household detail.
05:22But now he stood at the stove, chopping, seasoning, and plating a table full of another woman's
05:26favorite dishes.
05:27She watched him with a gentle, possessive smile.
05:29He even wiped a spot of sauce from the corner of her mouth with his thumb.
05:32I lowered my eyes.
05:33When I spoke, my voice was so faint I barely recognized it.
05:36She suffered a terrible loss.
05:37Of course she needs someone to care for her.
05:40It's perfectly normal for you to cook for her.
05:43Adrian's shoulders visibly relaxed.
05:44He stepped closer, kissed my forehead, and smiled against my skin with relief.
05:48You really have changed.
05:50A year ago, if you saw me cooking for another woman, you went smearing Mars and you would
05:54have smashed a vase over my head.
05:56By the way, Celeste's birthday is in two days.
05:58Her husband used to throw her a grand party every year, but now he's gone.
06:02As her friend, I want you to help me plan a beautiful birthday party for her.
06:08I told myself not to care, not to compare, but bitterness still rose inside me.
06:13My birthday was only a few days away too.
06:16Adrian used to book a rooftop restaurant a month in advance.
06:19He chose a necklace himself, wrapped it with his own hands, and rented the entire terrace
06:23for a fireworks display.
06:25Then he held my waist and whispered in my ear,
06:27I love you, sweetheart.
06:28You deserve the best of everything.
06:30But this year, he had forgotten completely.
06:33All his attention went to Celeste.
06:35I lowered my eyes.
06:36I'll handle it.
06:37I'll make sure everything suits her taste.
06:39Adrian paused, a complicated look flashing in his eyes.
06:43We had fought over Celeste countless times before.
06:45He thought I was being unreasonable.
06:47I thought he had crossed every boundary.
06:49Now I had volunteered to plan her entire party.
06:52That clearly caught him off guard.
06:54He nodded.
06:55Do whatever you think is best, but don't go overboard.
06:58She isn't in good health.
06:59I swallowed my bitterness and answered,
07:01Understood.
07:02His gaze softened, and he started to follow me back to the bedroom.
07:06I gently raised a hand and stopped him.
07:08Go stay with Celeste.
07:09She needs you.
07:10Adrian frowned.
07:11You really don't mind me being alone with her?
07:13I shook my head.
07:14Of course not.
07:15You grew up together.
07:16It's only right that you look after her.
07:18This time, I wouldn't stand between them.
07:20The wariness vanished from his face.
07:22He ruffled my hair as if I were a child who had finally learned to behave.
07:25You've grown up.
07:27Celeste has been through so much.
07:28We need to protect her.
07:29Don't be jealous anymore, okay?
07:31I wouldn't be.
07:32Never again.
07:33I had already decided.
07:34Once Celeste's birthday party ended,
07:36I would leave her at his side.
07:39I had rehearsed my departure in my mind.
07:41Quiet, clean, without a scene.
07:44At last they could have the life they had always wanted.
07:46For the next two days, I poured everything into the party.
07:50It would be held in the glass greenhouse behind the villa,
07:52to match every dish and flour to Celeste's taste.
07:55I changed florists three times and pastry chefs twice.
07:58Even the petals floating in the three-tier fountain were flown in from southern Italy.
08:02The estate manager frowned at the bill.
08:04I signed it without a word.
08:06No one knew this party was the countdown to my disappearance.
08:09On the night of the party, the Sinclair Villa blazed with light.
08:12A thousand crystal lights hung beneath the glass greenhouse dome.
08:15Expensive two-brose perfume hung heavy in the air, almost intoxicating.
08:19The guests arrived one after another, all among the most powerful people in the city.
08:23Their eyes widened the moment they stepped inside.
08:26Whispers spread through every corner.
08:27No one understood why I had gone to such lengths for my fiancée's widowed childhood friend.
08:32They all thought I had lost my mind.
08:34I stood alone in a corner with a glass of champagne, my smile flawless.
08:39Adrian approached.
08:40I lightly touched his arm and leaned close to whisper in his ear,
08:43Let Celeste have the first dance.
08:45Tonight belongs to her.
08:46Surprise flashed in his eyes, then turned to approval.
08:49The first notes of a waltz filled the greenhouse,
08:52and Adrian led Celeste to the center of the dance floor.
08:55Her champagne-colored satin gown gleamed like liquid gold beneath the lights.
08:59She looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears.
09:02I watched them quietly from the back of the crowd.
09:05When it was time for gifts, Adrian stepped forward with a velvet box.
09:09He flipped open the lid with his thumb, and the crowd gasped.
09:14Inside lay an emerald necklace.
09:16Columbian stones the size of thumbnails were joined by delicate platinum links,
09:20and fell in glittering layers.
09:22I recognized it at once.
09:24It had appeared in Sotheby's catalog last spring, valued at more than 10 million.
09:29I had seen Adrian's name on the buyer list and foolishly thought it was for me.
09:33A gift for our wedding.
09:34He lifted the necklace from the box and held it high.
09:36The emerald swayed gently.
09:38He spoke, his voice carrying across the silent hall.
09:41Celeste, I want you to have something that reminds you how precious you are to all of us.
09:45Happy birthday.
09:46Celeste's eyes widened, then a smile bloomed across her face.
09:49She reached out and traced the smooth surface of the largest stone with her fingertip.
09:53It's beautiful.
09:55Adrian, it's truly beautiful.
09:57But the next second, her smile froze.
09:59She shook her head.
10:00No, I can't accept it.
10:02It's far too valuable.
10:03She turned and searched the crowd until her gaze landed on me.
10:06Then she hurried straight over.
10:07Before I could move away, she was already in front of me.
10:10She shoved the necklace into my hand.
10:12Her fingers closed around mine with surprising strength as she spoke.
10:16Valentina, this necklace should be yours.
10:18You're Adrian's fiancé.
10:20He should give it to you, not me.
10:22Please take it.
10:22No!
10:23It's yours!
10:24He gave it to you.
10:25I frowned and tried to pull my hand free, but she refused to let go.
10:29Her grip tightened as she pushed the necklace against my chest.
10:32Her face urgent and sincere.
10:34You have to take it.
10:35I can't keep something this valuable.
10:37It wouldn't be right.
10:38You deserve it more than I do.
10:39I tried to break free.
10:41Suddenly, her body pitched forward like a puppet with its strings cut, and she slammed into me.
10:46Her shoulder struck me squarely in the chest, and the force sent me staggering backward.
10:52Myho caught the base of the champagne tower behind me.
10:55Crystal glasses shattered with a piercing crash.
10:57Champagne splashed across my gown and arms, and shards glittered on the marble floor.
11:02Celeste landed safely in Adrian's arms.
11:04He caught her the instant she fell, locking both hands around her waist.
11:07She pressed against his chest, buried her face in his shoulder, and trembled.
11:11His arms wrapped around her in a fierce, protective hold.
11:14Adrian's voice sharpened with panic as his eyes swept over her, checking for injuries.
11:18Are you alright?
11:19Celeste shook her head.
11:20Her voice muffled against his chest.
11:22I think so.
11:24I'm just terrified.
11:25She grabbed me so hard, Adrian.
11:27I never thought she'd do this.
11:28Adrian looked up sharply, his expression turning cold.
11:31Valentina, how could you do that?
11:33I'm so disappointed in you.
11:34My vision swayed.
11:35I braced a hand against the table beside me and fought to stay upright.
11:39Adrian, please.
11:40I forced out a whisper so faint it was almost silent.
11:43I didn't, Adrian.
11:44Before I could finish, Celeste let out a low moan and pressed a hand to her temple.
11:48I'm so dizzy.
11:49Everything is spinning.
11:50Adrian spun around.
11:51In three quick strides, he reached her and swept her into his arms.
11:55He carried her toward the door without looking back.
11:57Celeste lifted her head slightly and looked over his shoulder.
12:00Her eyes found mine.
12:01Then she smiled.
12:01The smile was tiny, barely a twitch at the corner of her mouth, hidden where Adrian couldn't see it.
12:06But I saw it clearly.
12:07Then they disappeared outside, leaving the two doors swinging slowly behind them.
12:12I stood alone in the greenhouse doorway as sharp.
12:15Burning pain tore through my calf in the back of my hand.
12:17I looked down.
12:18Shards were lodged deep in my skin.
12:20And blood ran down my ankle, staining the white marble.
12:23The cut on my hand was worse.
12:24And blood seeped between my fingers.
12:26The guests finally recovered from their shock and rushed toward me.
12:28Oh my god, you're bleeding!
12:30Call a doctor!
12:32Help her sit down!
12:33Those shards went in deep!
12:35I don't remember how they got me to the public hospital.
12:37As a nurse cleaned my wounds, I stared at the light above me without a word.
12:41My calf needed seven stitches.
12:43My hand needed four.
12:44As the shards were removed, I gripped the sheet through the pane.
12:48Beyond the curtain, I heard to nurses whispering.
12:51All the doctors were called to another floor.
12:53Miss Monroe was frightened.
12:54And she's having a full examination.
12:56What about her?
12:58Isn't Miss Romano his fiancée?
13:00I don't know.
13:01It seems no one even told him.
13:03I closed my eyes.
13:05Cold IV fluid dripped slowly into my vein.
13:07Once, even a tiny paper cut on my finger sent Adrian calling three different family doctors.
13:12He would hold my hand and gently scold me.
13:14How could you be so careless?
13:16Then he would bandage me himself, carry me to the sofa, and forbid me to move around.
13:20He sat beside me, stroking my hair until I felt better.
13:23But now, every doctor, every bit of attention, every ounce of care belonged to Celeste.
13:28Grief crashed over me.
13:29My consciousness faded.
13:30And heavy darkness pulled me under.
13:33When I woke, the date on my phone screen told me that exactly two full days had passed.
13:38I snatched it from the knitstand.
13:39The notification bar was empty, no missed calls, no messages, no trace that anyone had looked for me.
13:44I stared at the blank screen for a long time before slowly placing the phone face down on the knitstand.
13:49Before, if I didn't reply to Adrian for two hours, he would call until my battery died.
13:53Now I had spent two days in the hospital, and he hadn't even sent?
13:56Are you okay?
13:57That was all the answer I needed.
13:59I pulled the four-needle from the back of my hand.
14:02The sharp sting barely registered.
14:03Then I threw off the blanket and swung my legs over the side of the bed.
14:06A nurse came in, stared in shock, and rushed to stop me.
14:09I waved her aside and said they were only surface wounds.
14:12Nothing serious.
14:14When I stepped outside, the early summer wind hit me head on, carrying the smell of exhaust and plane tree
14:19leaves.
14:20I stood by the road for a moment, squinting into the hazy sun, then raised a hand and hailed a
14:25cab.
14:25Dusk had fallen by the time I reached the villa.
14:28I pushed open the front door and saw the scene in the living room.
14:31Celeste was curled up on the sofa with a glass of warm milk beside her.
14:35Adrian sat at her side, feeding her soup one careful spoonful at a time.
14:39At the sound of the door, Adrian looked up.
14:41He set the bowl on the coffee table and studied my face.
14:44A faint crease appeared between his brows.
14:46You're back, Valentina.
14:47What's wrong?
14:48You look terrible.
14:49He had no idea I was hurt.
14:51He didn't know I had spent the past two days in the hospital.
14:54I smiled and slipped my injured hand into my coat pocket.
14:57It's nothing.
14:59Just a little stomach pain.
15:00He gave a vague response and picked up the soup bowl again.
15:03Good.
15:03Celeste has something she wants to say to you herself.
15:06Wrapped in a blanket, Celeste leaned forward.
15:07Her voice was sickeningly sweet.
15:09Valentina, thank you so much for the other night.
15:11Without everything you planned, I never could have had such an unforgettable birthday.
15:15I know you didn't mean to trip me either, so let's put it behind us.
15:19But honestly, are you sure you're alright?
15:22You looked unwell that night.
15:24She's fine.
15:24Don't worry about her.
15:25I stood silently in the entryway.
15:27By the way, Valentina.
15:28Adrian looked at me again.
15:29Celeste hasn't had much of an appetite since that night.
15:32Could you make her some soup?
15:33You're a good cook.
15:34I looked at him.
15:35He sat comfortably on the sofa, one arm draped across the back behind Celeste.
15:39When he looked at me, there was no guilt or shame in his eyes.
15:42Only the calm expectation that I would do what he asked, as if it were my duty.
15:45I gave a single nod.
15:47Alright.
15:47I'll make it.
15:49I went into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and took out the ingredients I needed.
15:54I washed each ingredient, put everything into a pot, and lit the stove.
15:58Blue flames licked the bottom as the soup slowly began to boil.
16:01Steam rose and blurred my vision.
16:03I poured the finished soup into a bowl and carried it out, only to find Adrian already walking
16:06toward the front door with Celeste in his arms.
16:10Without looking back, he said.
16:12She hasn't been sleeping well.
16:14I'm taking her to the private hospital for a full examination.
16:17Get some rest.
16:18The door closed behind them, and their footsteps faded into the night.
16:21Holding the bowl of soup, I stood alone in the empty living room and stared down at it
16:25for a long time.
16:26Then I walked to the sink and poured every last drop down the drain.
16:29Upstairs, I found the suitcase I had already packed.
16:32I left behind everything that wasn't mine.
16:34Then I opened the bottom drawer and took out a velvet box.
16:37Inside lay the ring Adrian had used to propose platinum set with a diamond, our initials engraved
16:41inside the band.
16:42He had called it a promise for life and made me swear I would never take it off.
16:46I lifted the ring from the box and held it in my palm, staring at it in silence.
16:50The diamond caught the light and cast a tiny rainbow across my skin.
16:53Then I piled everything into the fireplace, the velvet box, the ring, every letter he had
16:57written me, the cuff links he had chosen himself, and the little souvenirs from every trip we
17:01had taken.
17:02I struck a match and tossed it in.
17:04Flame swept over the paper, velvet, and metal.
17:07Thick, bitter smoke rose as I watched everything I had once treasured curl, blacken, and finally
17:11collapse into ash.
17:13The edges of the letters browned and crumbled away.
17:15The platinum ring glowed red for a moment, then vanished beneath the flames.
17:20After that, I turned and walked into the back garden.
17:23Under the moonlight, the swing in the west corner swayed, gently in the night breeze.
17:27A few withered grape leaves still clung to its wicker seat.
17:30Adrian had built it himself, after learning that I love to sit beneath the grape arbor and
17:34read on summer nights.
17:36If you love it, I'll build it for you.
17:38I stood before the swing, and called for the gardener.
17:41Take it all down.
17:42The gardener froze.
17:43Miss Romano, Mr. Sinclair built all of this himself.
17:46Take it down.
17:46Starting tomorrow, turn this entire area into flower beds.
17:49Celesta loves gardening.
17:51She wants roses and lavender in the yard.
17:53The gardener opened his mouth, then closed it again without a word.
17:56Over the past few weeks, everyone had seen the truth.
17:58The mistress of this villa had already been replaced.
18:01The bolts were removed from the swing one by one.
18:03The grapevines were torn up by the roots.
18:05Dead leaves scattered across the soil.
18:06I picked up my suitcase, crossed the empty yard, pushed open the side gate, and walked
18:10into the night.
18:11I never looked back.
18:12The next morning, as the car pulled away from the private hospital, the strange onions
18:16tightened around Adrian's chest.
18:18Celeste had finished her full examination.
18:20The doctor assured them that everything was normal.
18:22There was nothing to worry about.
18:24Only stress and fatigue.
18:26Yet, something kept annoying at him.
18:28A dull, persistent ache.
18:30He couldn't explain.
18:31He took out his phone and called Valentina.
18:32It rang once, twice, three times, then went to Voiceman.
18:38He called again.
18:39The result was the same.
18:41He stared at the glowing screen, as the nod in his stomach pulled tighter.
18:45The silence inside the car pressed down on him.
18:47Celeste shifted against his shoulder, her voice soft and sleepy.
18:51What's wrong, Adrian?
18:52You look pale.
18:53He shook his head and forced his expression to settle.
18:56Nothing.
18:57I was tired.
18:58But the feeling didn't fade.
18:59As the villa gates opened, and the car rolled to his stop, his onions only grew.
19:02He stepped out, then froze mid-stride.
19:04The west corner of the garden was empty.
19:06The swing he had built himself, the one where Valentina had laughed and curled up with a
19:10book on summer evenings, was gone.
19:11Its wooden frame had been completely dismantled.
19:13The grapevines he had trained over the arbor had been torn up by the roots.
19:17All that remained was churned earth scattered with dead leaves.
19:19He summoned the butler, his voice low and dangerous.
19:22Who did this?
19:24The butler stood on the porch, his face drained of color.
19:26Miss Romano, sir, she ordered everything removed.
19:31She said Miss Monroe wanted to plant flowers in the garden.
19:34Celeste hurried up, behind Adrian and gripped the doorframe, breathing hard.
19:37The moment she saw the empty plot, open delight spread across her face.
19:40She clapped, the sharp sound cutting through the heavy silence.
19:44This is wonderful.
19:46I always thought that swing took up too much space, and those vines were such a mess.
19:51I was going to ask Valentina if I could plant something here.
19:54I can't believe she already took care of it for me.
19:57She rushed forward, crouched beside the turned soil, and pressed her palms into the soft earth.
20:01She looked back at Adrian with a radiant smile.
20:04I'll plant damamash roses here, lavender there, and train climaxes up the wall.
20:10Adrian whipped his head toward her, his voice slicing through the air.
20:13Did I give you permission?
20:15The garden fell dead silent.
20:17Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
20:19Celeste's face crumpled.
20:21Her lower lip trembled as a tear slid down her cheek.
20:23She spoke quietly, her words broken by sobs.
20:25I'm sorry, Adrian.
20:27I didn't mean to upset you.
20:29I just thought...
20:30I thought she did it for me.
20:32I didn't know you'd be angry.
20:34Adrian clenched his jaw, but he didn't soften.
20:36He turned back to the butler.
20:38His voice clipped and cold.
20:39Where is Valentina?
20:40Bring her to me now.
20:41The butler didn't move.
20:43He stood rigid, with his hands clasped behind his back, unable to hide his fear.
20:46After a long moment, he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded sheet of paper.
20:51His hand trembled as he held it out.
20:52Sir, Miss Romano is gone.
20:55She took all her personal belongings.
20:57Her room is almost empty.
20:58She left this for you.
20:59Adrian stared at the paper.
21:00His mind caught on the butler's words and refused to understand them.
21:03Gone.
21:04How could Valentina be gone?
21:06She was supposed to be here.
21:07She had always been here.
21:08In his ever-changing life, she was the one constant, the one certainty.
21:12She couldn't simply leave.
21:13He snatched the paper from the butler and unfolded it.
21:16It was Valentina's handwriting.
21:18Clean, sharp, and unmistakable.
21:20I'm gone.
21:21Don't look for me.
21:22I burned the ring and had the swing taken down.
21:25Now you can enjoy your life with your childhood friend.
21:28He held his breath and stared at the words.
21:30His fingers slowly tightened, crumpling the edge of the paper as his knuckles turned white.
21:36He spun toward the butler, his stare demanding an answer.
21:39When did she leave?
21:40The butler's voice trembled.
21:42Last night, sir.
21:42The staff said she dragged her suitcase through the side gate shortly after you left with Miss Monroe.
21:47No one dared stop her.
21:48The word struck Adrian like a punch.
21:50Valentina had watched him carry Celeste through that door.
21:53Then she had left.
21:53Without a word, Adrian spun around and charged inside.
21:57Taking the stairs two at a time, his heart pounding in his throat.
22:00He shoved open the bedroom door.
22:02Then, he stopped cold.
22:03The vanity was bare.
22:05Her bottles, combs, and brushes were all gone.
22:07He rushed to the walk-in closet and opened her side.
22:09It was almost empty.
22:10Even her favorite silk scarf was gone.
22:12Her toothbrush, towels, and skincare products had vanished from the bathroom.
22:16Only his things remained.
22:17Still lined up neatly on the counter.
22:18Adrian stood in the middle of the room, his chest heaving as the walls seemed to close around him.
22:23She was really gone.
22:24He pulled out his phone and called Valentina again.
22:26It rang over and over before going to voicemail.
22:28He immediately called his assistant and roared into the phone.
22:31Valentina is gone!
22:32Find out where she went!
22:34Twenty minutes later, his phone vibrated.
22:36He answered, and his assistant's brisk, urgent voice came through.
22:39Sir, we traced Miss Romano's travel.
22:41She booked a northbound flight last night.
22:43It departed just after midnight.
22:44The trail ends there.
22:45She may already be using another name.
22:47Adrian walked to the window and stared at the empty plot below.
22:50The earth was still wet and dark, exposed like a freshly torn wound.
22:53When he spoke, his voice was low and hoarse.
22:56Find her.
22:58Whatever it takes, find her.
23:01One month later, Adrian sat in his office, staring at a thick stack of investigation reports spread across his desk.
23:08Every page gave the same result.
23:10Nothing.
23:10Valentina had vanished as if someone had erased her from the world.
23:14No credit card charges.
23:16No hotel records.
23:17She appeared on no-traffic cameras, airport surveillance, or security footage from gas station convenience stores.
23:24His men searched the entire north every town, every village, and every remote in that didn't ask guests for identification.
23:31Each time, they came back empty-handed.
23:34No one had seen a woman matching her description.
23:37It was as if she had never existed.
23:39Adrian hadn't slept properly in weeks.
23:42Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his jaw was always clenched.
23:45Whenever someone mentioned her name, a muscle beside his mouth twitched beyond his control.
23:51He threw himself into the search with a desperation that shocked even his closest men.
23:56He burned through contacts and resources, but the harder he pressed, the more completely her trail disappeared.
24:02His assistant knocked and entered, holding a small USB drive between two fingers.
24:06Sir, this is the greenhouse security footage.
24:09You should watch it yourself.
24:10Without a word, Adrian took the drive and plugged it into his laptop.
24:14The screen lit up with the birthday party, chandeliers, flowers, and elegantly dressed guests moving through a scene he had
24:20replayed in his mind a hundred times.
24:21He watched himself give Celeste the emerald necklace.
24:24He saw her eyes widen and her lips part in surprise.
24:27Then she turned to Valentina, holding out the necklace like a peace offering.
24:31And then he saw the truth.
24:33Celeste's foot hadn't caught on anything.
24:35There was no rug to trip over, no hidden obstacle.
24:38She hadn't twisted her ankle.
24:39She had simply leaned forward.
24:41She fell with far too much control for it to be an accident, deliberately driving her shoulder into Valentina's chest.
24:47The force knocked Valentina off balance and sent her straight into the champagne tower.
24:51Adrian's breath caught in his throat.
24:52He watched Valentina stagger back, her heel catching the base of the tower.
24:56He watched crystal glasses shatter all around her.
24:59He watched her fall, her hands landing among the shards.
25:02Then he watched her look up at him through the chaotic crowd.
25:06He also watched himself turn away.
25:08His broad, hold back filled the screen as he shielded Celeste with his body.
25:14Then he carried her toward the exit without once looking back at the woman bleeding behind him.
25:18Adrian shot to his feet so fast that his chair toppled over and crashed to the floor.
25:22He gripped the edge of the desk with both hands, knuckles white, and stared at the frozen image.
25:27Valentina spent two days in the hospital?
25:29That night, she was cut by the glass?
25:31Why didn't anyone tell me?
25:33Sir, you sent every private doctor to examine Miss Monroe.
25:36Miss Ramoni was taken to a public hospital.
25:38She needed 11 stitches.
25:39The hospital kept her for two days because she had lost too much blood.
25:4211 stitches, two days alone in a public hospital.
25:45And while she lay there by herself, what had he been doing?
25:50He had stroked Celeste's hair, fed her soup one spoonful at a time, and told her how brave she was.
25:56He had brought her home, settled her into the guest room, and checked on her every hour.
26:00Adrian closed his eyes.
26:01His shoulders began to shake as an uncontrollable emotion built inside him.
26:05He raised one hand and slammed it down on the desk.
26:07The bang cracked through the silent office like a gunshot.
26:09His palm burned, but the pain was nothing beside the fire in his chest.
26:12He snatched his car keys from the desk and strode toward the door.
26:16Sir, where are you going?
26:17To find her.
26:20But where could he look?
26:22A month had passed.
26:24She had left no forwarding address, no online trace, not a single clue he could follow.
26:29She had never contacted him.
26:31Adrian walked into the garden.
26:33The roses Celeste had planted were already taking root.
26:36The soil had been loosened and fertilized, and clusters of green shoots pushed through the earth.
26:40He stared at the empty corner where the swing had once stood and thought of the night Valentina had ordered
26:45it taken down.
26:46He imagined her before the fireplace, watching the letters curl and blacken and the ring flash once before the flame
26:51swallowed it.
26:51He imagined her packing, zipping her suitcase, lifting it, and walking through the side gate without looking back.
26:56Then he understood.
26:57She hadn't left in anger.
26:59She wasn't heartbroken.
27:00She hadn't wanted revenge.
27:01There had been no violent burst of emotion.
27:03She simply didn't love him anymore.
27:06The thought drove into his chest like a knife clean, sharp, and stealing his breath in an instant.
27:11Valentina had closed the door on him, locked it, and thrown away the key.
27:14Worst of all, he had no right to blame her.
27:17He sank onto the bench beside the empty plot and covered his face with both hands.
27:21The roses didn't matter.
27:22Celeste didn't matter.
27:23None of it mattered.
27:24Because the woman who had once loved him, the woman who laughed on the swing, cried in his arms, and
27:28planned a future with him was gone.
27:30And he had killed that love himself, one careless act at a time.
27:33The image of Celeste deliberately shoving Valentina burned through Adrian's mind like acid.
27:37The footage replayed before his eyes.
27:39Celeste thrust her wrist outward and lunged, sending Valentina staggering into the champagne tower.
27:44Rage surged through his chest.
27:46His temples pounded, his pulse hammering so hard that he felt it in his teeth.
27:49He strode through the villa entrance, his shoes striking the marble floor in a rapid series of heavy blows.
27:54He kicked Celeste's guestroom door.
27:56It slammed into the wall, rebounded, and hit his waiting palm.
27:59He shoved it open hard again.
28:01Celeste was curled in an armchair by the window with a book on her lap.
28:04The sudden crash made her turn upright, and the book slipped from her fingers and landed softly on the carpet.
28:09She blinked and pushed herself up from the cushions.
28:11Her loose, messy hair fell over her shoulders, and her face still wore that fragile expression.
28:15Confusion filled her voice.
28:16Adrian?
28:17What's wrong?
28:18Who made you so...
28:19The next second, a hard slap cracked across her face.
28:23The slap snapped Celeste's head to the side and knocked her against the armchair.
28:27A bright red mark immediately rose on her pale cheek.
28:29She went completely still.
28:31One hand flew to her face as she stared at Adrian.
28:33Her wide eyes filled with disbelief.
28:35This wasn't the Adrian she knew.
28:36Her Adrian was gentle, soft-spoken, and endlessly patient.
28:40Once, she had broken his favorite antique vase.
28:42He had only told her,
28:42It was just an object.
28:44What matters is that you weren't hurt.
28:45When she had knelt sobbing at her husband's grave, Adrian had been the one to wipe away her tears.
28:50He had never raised his voice at her.
28:52He had never even frowned at her.
28:54But now the man before her looked at her as if she were his enemy.
28:57Then she finally understood.
28:58Cold fear slowly coiled in her stomach, and her heart dropped.
29:01He knew.
29:02Adrian pulled his phone from his suit pocket and thrust the screen directly in front of her.
29:05A frozen image filled at the greenhouse security footage, clear and impossible to deny.
29:10On the screen, her arm shot toward Valentina in a deliberate shove.
29:13Every movement was precise and carefully calculated, impossible to mistake for an accident.
29:18You framed Valentina and deliberately shoved her.
29:23Celeste, you've got some nerve.
29:26His rage erupted.
29:27The next second, he seized her by the throat.
29:29His fingers locked in place as rage took over completely.
29:32Celeste clawed at his hand and fought desperately for air.
29:35She kicked and twisted, her whole body jerking with every struggle.
29:39He didn't release her until her strength began to fade.
29:42Only then did he let go and shove her away.
29:44She collapsed into the sofa and curled into the cushions,
29:47her chest heaving as she dragged in breath after breath.
29:50Tears streamed down her face as both hands clutched her neck.
29:53By then, his voice had become a roar.
29:56It shook the room and made the windowpanes tremble.
29:58Get out of my house!
30:00Never come back!
30:01She curled into the cushions, stunned and devastated.
30:03Then a violent coughing fit seized her.
30:05She slid from the sofa onto the carpet and stayed on her knees,
30:08her shoulders shaking with every cough.
30:10Once she could breathe again,
30:11she crawled to his feet and gripped his pant leg so hard that her knuckles turned white.
30:15Her face was streaked with tears.
30:17She looked shaken and disheveled.
30:18Please, Adrian, don't do this to me.
30:21That woman is gone, and my husband is dead.
30:24We can finally be together.
30:26Why are you throwing me out?
30:29She was never right for you.
30:31She doesn't understand you the way I do.
30:33Adrian looked down at her.
30:34His eyes were like a frozen winter, lake cold still, and utterly without warm.
30:38When he spoke, each word struck like a hammer.
30:40I love Valentina.
30:41I only love her.
30:43I never saw you as anything more than a friend.
30:45But you hurt her.
30:46You hurt her on purpose.
30:48So from this moment on, we aren't even friends.
30:50He took out his phone, called a number, and gave to brief orders.
30:54Now.
30:55Less than two minutes later, two bodyguards in black suits appeared at the door.
30:59Their faces were blank, their movements fast and precise.
31:02One grabbed each of Celeste's arms, and together they lifted her easily from the floor.
31:06Celeste's shrill, poor screams echoed through the hallway.
31:08Adrian, you can't do this to me.
31:11We grew up together.
31:12What does she have that I don't?
31:14Adrian only watched her coldly.
31:16He never answered.
31:17The guards dragged her down the hall.
31:19Her voice faded with the distance, the protest breaking into sobs before falling silent.
31:23Then the front door slammed shut.
31:24Adrian stood alone in the empty hallway, pressing to fingers hard against his forehead.
31:28The scratches on his hand burned where Celeste's nails had raked his skin.
31:31But that pain was nothing compared to the dull, hollow ache in his chest.
31:35His mind held only Valentina.
31:36Where was she?
31:37Was she safe?
31:38Had her heart already shattered because he had been to blind to see the truth right in front of him?
31:41He leaned against the wall and slowly slid to the floor.
31:44His head bowed.
31:45For the first time in years, tears stung his eyes.
31:47I stepped out of the car.
31:48The butler was already waiting on the porch.
31:50At last, I had returned to the home I hadn't visited in years.
31:53The butler bowed his head slightly.
31:54Miss Romano, your father is waiting for you in his study.
31:57I nodded and followed him into the mansion.
31:59My heels clicked sharply against the marble floor of the entrance hall.
32:02The sound pulled me into the distant past.
32:04Back then, I was a little girl with pigtails and scraped knees,
32:07racing through these halls as my laughter rose to the high ceilings and echoed back down.
32:11My father was the head of the Romano crime family.
32:14He would sit in a leather armchair beside the fireplace,
32:16his stern face softening the moment he saw me.
32:18Then he would sweep me onto his lap and say,
32:21One day, my daughter will find happiness.
32:24Anyone who breaks her heart will answer to the Romano family.
32:29The memory made my eyes sting.
32:31His study stood at the far end of the third floor.
32:33When I pushed open the door, the familiar smell of cigar smoke washed over me.
32:37My father sat in a high-backed chair.
32:39He was much thinner than the last time I had seen him, but his eyes were still sharp.
32:43He set down the letter.
32:44He had been reading and looked up at me.
32:46I sat across from him with my back straight, and my hands folded over my knees.
32:50Father, I'm home.
32:51Silence spread between us, heavy enough to suffocate.
32:54At last he spoke, his aging voice rough and hoarse.
32:57The head of the Moretti family is coming on Tuesday.
33:01You will meet him.
33:02My fingers tightened slightly against my knees.
33:04Dante Moretti.
33:05Everyone in our world knew that name.
33:06He controlled the largest criminal organization in the North.
33:09At 32, he was ruthless in business, precise in every move, and exceptionally clever.
33:14He had rebuilt a dying organization into a vast empire that now rivaled my father's power.
33:20I knew what this meeting meant.
33:21Our marriage would unite to powerful families.
33:23My father had arranged it, and I had already agreed.
33:26When I left Adrian, I knew exactly what kind of life I was returning to.
33:31All right, I'll meet him.
33:32Tuesday arrived soon enough.
33:33From a second floor window, I watched a dark gray Maybach with tinted windows pass through the gates.
33:39The rear door opened, and a man in a charcoal suit stepped out.
33:43I looked away, smoothed my collar, and headed downstairs.
33:46My father sat in the main armchair in the living room.
33:49Donne sat opposite him, radiating unhurried authority.
33:54His strong brow, straight nose, and thin, unsmiling lips gave him a cold.
33:59Commanding air, at the sound of my footsteps, he looked up.
34:02I sat on the sofa across from him.
34:05Dante, this is my daughter.
34:08Donne turned fully toward me and studied my face for two or three seconds.
34:11Then the corner of his mouth lifted.
34:13Miss Romano, I've heard a great deal about you.
34:16Your photographs don't do you justice.
34:18I returned a restrained smile.
34:20Neither do yours, Mr. Moratti.
34:22My father soon found an excuse to leave, giving us the living room to ourselves.
34:25There's a good Italian dessert shop nearby.
34:28Their tiramisu is authentic.
34:29If you're interested, we could talk somewhere less formal.
34:33I studied him.
34:33He hadn't said, I've already reserved a table.
34:36A considerate phrase that left no room to refuse.
34:38He had said, if you're interested, leaving the choice to me.
34:41I nodded.
34:42All right.
34:42The dessert shop was small, tucked into a quiet side street.
34:46Its wooden storefront revealed a glass display case filled with traditional Italian pastries.
34:50Dante pulled out my chair and waited until I sat before taking the seat across from me.
34:54He ordered an espresso and suggested that I try the tiramisu.
34:57He stirred his coffee with a small silver spoon and said,
35:00The first time I came here, I ate two servings by myself.
35:03I couldn't help it.
35:04I cut off a small piece of tiramisu and let it melt on my tongue.
35:07The moss carpone was rich and smooth, while the coffee's perfect bitterness balanced the
35:11sweetness.
35:11I had to admit, it was excellent.
35:13After that, we met several more times.
35:15Some meetings were formal dinners arranged by my father.
35:18Dante and I sat at opposite ends of a long table, separated by candles and flowers, speaking
35:23with careful restraint.
35:24Other times, Dante drove over himself, told me about a restaurant he had discovered, and
35:29asked if I wanted to try it with him.
35:32His choices were never flashy, but the food was always exceptional.
35:36He refilled my water while I cut my steak.
35:38If I frowned at a dish, he asked whether I disliked it.
35:42He even remembered a book I mentioned in passing, and asked what I thought of it the next time
35:46we met.
35:47He didn't seem like a ruthless mafia boss at all.
35:50He was remarkably gentle.
35:51Gradually, I realized that being with him didn't feel like completing an obligation.
35:55It was even easier than being with Adrian had once been.
35:58On my birthday, Dante reserved a small terrace table for just the two of us.
36:02After the waiter served the final course, he withdrew, leaving us alone beneath the night
36:07sky.
36:07Dante set down his wine glass and met my gaze.
36:10His eyes were steady and sincere.
36:12Happy birthday, Valentina.
36:13I smiled.
36:16You didn't have to go to all this trouble.
36:18This isn't trouble.
36:19I only want to make you happy.
36:21Doing things for you will never be a burden.
36:23He held my gaze for a long moment.
36:25Then he leaned closer and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips.
36:28When he drew back, the tips of his ears had turned faintly pink.
36:31That was my first kiss.
36:33I blinked in surprise.
36:34His expression grew warm but resolute.
36:36You can trust me.
36:38I'll take care of you, and I'll make you the happiest woman in the world.
36:42I touched my lips as something tender and long-forgotten stirred awake inside my chest.
36:46Then I smiled.
36:48I trust you.
37:16In the dressing room, I stood before a full-length mirror and adjusted my veil.
37:20My strapless satin gown had a three-meter train embroidered with delicate pearls and silver
37:23thread.
37:24Dante and I had chosen it together.
37:26He said I looked beautiful in every dress, but insisted that I choose this one.
37:30You smiled when you tried this one on.
37:32Just then.
37:33The door flew open and a man burst into the room.
37:35I saw his reflection in the mirror and froze.
37:37Adrian stood in the doorway.
37:39His suit was wrinkled.
37:40His shirt collar hung open, and his tie sat crook.
37:42Heavy stubble covered his jaw, and deep hollows shadowed his bloodshot eyes.
37:45He was breathing hard, as if he had waited outside for hours, holding himself back until
37:49he finally found a chance to force his way in.
37:51The instant his gaze landed on me, tears filled his eyes.
37:55His voice scraped from his throat, broken and hoarse.
37:57Valentina, I've looked everywhere for you.
37:59Everywhere.
38:00I'm losing my mind.
38:01And now that I've finally found you, you're marrying another man?
38:07I blinked, unable to connect the wreck before me with the Adrian I once knew.
38:10He had lost so much weight.
38:11His cheekbones jutted sharply, and the hair he once kept immaculate fell in tangled strands
38:16over his forehead.
38:17He looked hollowed out, as if the most vital part of him had been torn from his chest,
38:20leaving only a shell.
38:21My voice came out astonishingly calm.
38:23Even I was surprised.
38:25Adrian, what are you doing here?
38:28Who I marry has nothing to do with you.
38:30He stumbled one step closer, desperate and unsteady.
38:33Nothing to do with me?
38:34You're my fiancé.
38:35I was supposed to spend my life with you?
38:36I cut him off, my tone flat and final.
38:38You canceled our wedding three times.
38:40We were over the moment you did.
38:41Adrian shook his head wildly.
38:43His eyes rimmed red.
38:44I never meant to postpone the wedding.
38:45It was Celesta.
38:46She manipulated everything.
38:48Valentina, I saw the footage.
38:49I saw what she did.
38:50She shoved you into the champagne tower and framed you.
38:52I threw her out.
38:53I promise she'll never come back.
38:55I'll never let anyone come between us again.
38:57Please, give me one more chance.
38:59We can start over.
39:00I raised my hand and cut him off before he could finish begging.
39:03Enough.
39:03I don't want your excuses and I don't care what happened to Celesta afterward.
39:06I don't care what you did after I left either.
39:08Go.
39:09Walk out that door and never come back.
39:11His voice shattered, but a hard, stubborn edge ran through it.
39:14No, I'm not leaving.
39:16I won't let you marry someone else.
39:17You're mine, Valentina.
39:19You always have been.
39:20He lunged and reached for my hand.
39:21I stepped back and swung my arm.
39:23My palm struck his face with a sharp crack.
39:25Adrian's head snapped to the side and a swollen red mark rose on his cheek.
39:29He froze one hand over his face, staring at me in shock and despair.
39:32I spoke coldly.
39:33Every syllable landed like a blade.
39:34You lost the right to claim I belong to you a long time ago.
39:37Stay away from me.
39:38We're finished.
39:38Adrian pressed his palm to his cheek and slowly turned back toward me.
39:41Pain twisted his face.
39:42Are you saying you don't feel anything for me anymore?
39:45After everything we've been through?
39:46I never stopped loving you.
39:48Not for one second.
39:49I never wanted anyone to replace you.
39:51He broke apart before me as if splitting from within.
39:53His voice faded to a whisper, then silence.
39:56And inside me, nothing moved.
39:58I looked at the man who had once been my entire world and felt nothing.
40:02My voice was calm and quiet.
40:04Adrian, it's too late.
40:05We're over.
40:06We have been for a long time.
40:08You need to move on.
40:10He opened his mouth, still trying to speak and beg.
40:12But I had already turned away.
40:14Facing the mirror again, I fixed the veil that had slipped during the commotion.
40:18In the reflection, he simply stood there shattered, struggling to breathe, completely defeated.
40:22The tension in the room was suffocating.
40:24Then the dressing room door opened from the outside.
40:25Dante entered in a perfectly tailored black suit, a white rose pinned to his lapel.
40:29Calm and composed, he looked every inch the mafia boss I knew.
40:32His gaze paused on Adrian, then shifted to me.
40:34The hardness in his eyes softened.
40:36He asked no questions.
40:37He simply crossed the room, wrapped one arm around my shoulders, and looked down at me.
40:43Are you alright?
40:44I nodded and leaned into him.
40:45I'm fine.
40:46Dante looked up at Adrian.
40:47His gaze turned to ice.
40:48Adrian stiffened beneath it.
40:50I saw it in his rigid shoulders and the sudden catch in his breathing.
40:53The air grew heavier, charged with a silent warning.
40:55Dante made a call.
40:56Less than a minute later, two of his men appeared at the door and waited for his orders.
41:01His voice was low and calm, but it carried absolute authority.
41:05Take him out.
41:06The two men moved to either side of Adrian, locked their hands around his arms, and dragged
41:10him toward the exit.
41:11At the threshold, he twisted around for one last look at me.
41:14His lips parted as if he still had something to say.
41:16But no sound came, the door slowly closed, and his broken, defeated gaze disappeared
41:20with it.
41:21Dante turned to me and gently rested his forehead against mine.
41:24If you're uncomfortable, we can cancel the wedding or postpone it.
41:26I don't mind waiting longer for you.
41:28I shook my head, wrapped both arms around his waist, and pulled him closer.
41:32No.
41:32I'm alright.
41:33I held him for a long time, my cheek against his chest as I listened to his steady heartbeat.
41:38The sound anchored me and soothed the last trace of Unnie's Adrian's sudden intrusion
41:41had left behind.
41:42The wedding was magnificent.
41:43We stood before the priest and exchanged our vows.
41:46When Dante looked at me, his eyes were almost reverent as if he saw not a person, but something
41:50sacred, more precious than power or any empire.
41:52His fingertips trembled slightly as he slid the ring onto my finger.
41:55The tips of his ears quietly turned pink.
41:57I couldn't help smiling.
41:58When we left the cathedral, the sunlight was bright and warm.
42:01I walked down the steps on Danny's arm as the guest's cheers rose like a wave.
42:05Petals swirled through the air, and laughter and applause rushed into the sky.
42:09Then I saw Adrian.
42:12Adrian stood across the street, separated from us by the crowd and far from all the guests.
42:16Alone, his suit was even more rumpled than before.
42:19The wind had tangled his hair, and the red mark from my slap still stood out on his cheek.
42:22He watched me from a distance.
42:24His lips moved as if he wanted to call my name, but he knew he no longer had the right.
42:27Only a bleak emptiness remained in his eyes.
42:30His despair was so raw that it was almost painful to look at.
42:33But he didn't come closer.
42:33He simply stood there while everyone around him laughed, applauded, and celebrated.
42:37Alone in the shadows, he never moved.
42:39I kept my eyes on him for ten seconds.
42:41Then I turned back to Dante.
42:42He was already watching me.
42:43A gentle smile on his lips and warmth shining in his eyes.
42:46He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, then straightened the veil the breeze had loosened.
42:51Let's go.
42:51I booked a place I think you'll like.
42:53I smiled and never looked across the street again.
42:55I got into the car and glanced once more in the rearview mirror.
42:58Adrian's figure grew smaller and smaller.
43:00I drew back my gaze and looked beside me.
43:02Dante was gazing out the window, sunlight tracing a soft golden line along his brow.
43:06As if he felt my eyes on him, he turned and winked at me.
43:09I gave him a radiant smile, completely at peace.
43:13A few months later, I saw a news report.
43:17Adrian's company had collapsed.
43:19Several lines of funding had dried up.
43:21The firm was suspected of improper deals, and its stock price plunged within weeks.
43:26Suppliers pulled out in droves.
43:27In less than three months, the once-leading company was bankrupt.
43:31Adrian was also charged with several financial crimes and eventually sentenced to prison.
43:36I saw the headline while watching television in the living room.
43:38The screen showed a photograph of Adrian standing in court.
43:41He was even thinner than before.
43:43His cheeks hollow and his jaw covered in stubble.
43:45His empty eyes stared straight into the camera, like a man who had lost the last of his will to
43:50fight.
43:50I watched the screen for a few seconds, then changed the channel.
43:53Dante's voice drifted in through the window.
43:56Valina, come look!
43:58The roses I planted are blooming.
44:00I opened the window and leaned out.
44:01Dante stood beside the flower bed with the sleeves of his white shirt rolled to his elbows.
44:05He held pruning shears in one hand, and a basket of freshly cut branches rested at his feet.
44:10He looked up at me, his eyes crinkling into crescents as he smiled.
44:14Come down.
44:14I'll make you some rose tea.
44:16I rested my arms on the windowsill, and watched him brush the soil from his hands,
44:20then sweep the hair from his forehead.
44:22I remembered something my father had told me years ago.
44:25In life, some people walk beside you for only part of the journey,
44:28then they leave, others stay with you all the way to the very end.
44:31Dante, I'm so glad I met you.
44:33He was silent for a moment.
44:34My love, I'm just as grateful you chose me in the end.