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- 5 days ago
Serena loved mafia heir Adrian for years. He mocked her weight, humiliated her, and left her to burn. Rescued by his powerful uncle Lucien, she returns transformed and marries him. Adrian begs for another chance as the truth surfaces. Serena has one answer: “Call me Auntie.”
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🎈
FunTranscript
00:00I accidentally grabbed Mafia heir Adrian's crotch the first time we met.
00:04My parents were terrified on the spot. The Mafia boss laughed.
00:08Maybe they would fall in love when they grew up.
00:10We grew up together, so naturally I fell hard for him.
00:14But I never saw it coming.
00:16After I turned 16, I got sick and my weight blew up.
00:20Soon, I was the plus-size girl everyone laughed at.
00:23Adrian despised me even more.
00:26When I was 20, the Mafia boss wanted to arrange a marriage for me.
00:30Tell me, who do you like?
00:33Your family has served my family for generations.
00:35Your father and brothers all sacrificed their lives.
00:38Now you are the only daughter left in the family.
00:41No matter who you want to marry, I will grant it.
00:43Dad, why are you even asking?
00:45Everyone knows Serena is crazy about Adrian.
00:47I'd rather die than marry her!
00:49Do not tell me you actually want me waking up to her every day.
00:51People snickered. My face burned.
00:53But back then, I was totally crazy about Adrian.
00:57When we were kids, he used to hold my hand and promise he would marry me.
01:01So seeing him act like he wanted to stay a million miles away from me just pissed me off.
01:08Then I'll marry Adrian.
01:10Suit yourself!
01:11But remember, Serena, you forced this marriage. Don't regret it later!
01:14I thought he was just mad.
01:16Until our wedding night, when Adrian would not even let me touch the bed.
01:20He threw a blanket onto the freezing floor.
01:23Didn't you want to be Mrs. Romano?
01:25Wish granted.
01:26Then he walked out.
01:27Sleep.
01:28Little did I know, the real nightmare of this marriage was just beginning.
01:34After the wedding, Adrian never treated me like a wife.
01:37He would not touch me.
01:38And he banned me from going to any official galas with him.
01:41I do not want the whole of New York laughing at me because of my wife.
01:44The estate staff quickly caught on to his attitude.
01:47They started cutting my meals, hiding my dresses, and even trashing my weight right to my face.
01:53During one family dinner, a maid stared at my chair and smirked.
01:57Ma'am, you better be careful before you sit.
01:59The whole dining room burst into laughter.
02:01I instinctively looked at Adrian.
02:03He definitely heard it, but he just took a sip of his wine like nothing happened.
02:06Adrian, are you just going to let them humiliate me like this?
02:09If you care so much about people calling you fat, then lose some weight.
02:13That one line made everyone laugh even harder.
02:16Then one day, I accidentally overheard Adrian talking to his best friend.
02:20Serena is just a little chubby.
02:21She is crazy about you.
02:23Do you really feel nothing for her?
02:24She is the one who forced this marriage.
02:26She brought this all on herself.
02:28But you guys were so close when you were kids.
02:31That was then.
02:33Now, looking at her just makes me sick.
02:35Outside the door, I froze.
02:38At that moment, I finally realized he truly despised me.
02:41But I did not know his hatred for me went way deeper.
02:45Days later, his mistress humiliated me publicly, sparking our first explosive fight.
02:51That night, he had his men drag me to an underground club.
02:55He locked me in the back warehouse.
02:57Stay here and learn some manners.
02:59Adrian, let me out!
03:01I'll let you out when you learn your lesson.
03:03His footsteps faded.
03:05Suddenly, I smelled strong gasoline.
03:07A second later, flames burst under the door.
03:12Adrian!
03:14Open the door!
03:16The fire grew wilder, and thick smoke quickly swallowed the whole warehouse.
03:21I covered my nose and mouth with my clothes, but I still coughed violently.
03:27It was at this moment I completely gave up hope.
03:30As I was blacking out, gunshots suddenly rang out outside.
03:34Then, a loud crash.
03:37The iron door was kicked wide open.
03:39A tall figure charged into the flames.
03:42It was Lucien.
03:44The godfather's younger brother, and Adrian's uncle.
03:48Lucien once swept through New York's criminal world, and was a hero of the family.
03:53He took off his jacket, wrapped it around me, and scooped me off the floor.
03:58Serena, look at me.
04:00Lucien.
04:02Stay awake.
04:06I am getting you out of here.
04:07That was the last thing I heard before I passed out.
04:10When I woke up again, I was lying in a private hospital owned by Lucien.
04:20My arm and back had serious burns.
04:33But the other news the doctor told me shocked me even more.
04:37Serena, we found a tumor inside you during the checkup.
04:40My crazy weight gain, the bloating, the useless diets all these years.
04:44It was not really my fault.
04:47The tumor had been messing with my hormones and metabolism big time.
04:53The doctor told me I needed surgery right away.
05:03It was a risky operation.
05:05Plus, I needed a bunch of plastic surgeries for the fire burns.
05:12I stayed silent for a long time.
05:15Lucien was sitting right beside me.
05:17Just stay alive first.
05:19I looked at him.
05:21We will deal with the rest when you get better.
05:23And my eyes suddenly filled with tears.
05:25I had loved Adrian for so many years.
05:27But the one who ran into the fire to save me was a man I never expected.
05:32The surgery was a total success.
05:36Months later, when I finally stood in front of a mirror, even I was stunned.
05:42But it was not just my face that changed.
05:45The old Serena, who used to panic and think she messed up the second Adrian frowned, was dead.
05:52That fire burned away my last bit of hope for him.
06:04Soon after, Lucien took me to an elite charity gala in New York.
06:13Before Lucien and I even stepped into the ballroom, I could already hear my name.
06:18Adrian is here tonight.
06:20Do you think Serena will actually show up?
06:22Please, she's been hiding for months.
06:24Probably crying over her weight somewhere.
06:25Or maybe she'll waddle in and beg Adrian to take her back.
06:28We all know how desperate she is.
06:33The laughter inside was sharp and familiar.
06:40Ready?
06:42More than ever.
06:46When I walked into the ballroom holding Lucien's arm, all the chatting and laughing abruptly died.
06:52Almost everyone was staring at me.
06:56Oh my god, is that Serena?
06:58That's impossible!
06:59Did she not vanish for months?
07:00Look at her!
07:01How does she look like a totally different person?
07:03That night, my photos went viral all over New York high society.
07:08The same people who used to joke about my body were now dying to know who designed my dress.
07:14The press even called me New York's most stunning socialite.
07:18I just found it ironic.
07:21Right then, I felt a burning gaze on me.
07:25Halfway across the room, I saw Adrian.
07:28His wine glass froze in mid-air.
07:31Before I could enjoy his reaction, Lucien kissed me in front of everyone.
07:36Adrian smashed his glass and clenched his fists.
07:42Adrian was furious.
07:43Then, as if he suddenly figured something out, a wicked smile crept across his lips.
07:48Sure enough, not long after I stepped away from Lucien, Adrian blocked my path.
07:56Serena, I barely recognized you.
07:58Suddenly, Adrian grabbed my hand and pushed me against the wall.
08:02His strong body pressed close to me, his hot breath hitting my face.
08:08Adrian, are you crazy?
08:10Then, Adrian lowered his head, his lips almost touching mine.
08:15Disappeared for so long, got surgery, lost weight, changed your whole look.
08:20I squeezed my eyes shut, not daring to move a muscle.
08:25Serena, did you think I was going to kiss you?
08:27You begged my father to let you marry me.
08:29How ridiculous, do you think you're worthy?
08:32Tell me, why are you so cheap, huh?
08:34Stung by Adrian's words, I lost my temper and pushed him away hard.
08:38Adrian stumbled back from my push.
08:40His eyes were filled with disbelief and anger.
08:43How dare you fight back?
08:45Do you really think playing hard to get is going to make me like you?
08:49You think getting pretty and showing up with my uncle on purpose is going to make me jealous?
08:55Adrian, do you really think my whole life revolves around you?
08:59Does it not?
09:01You suddenly change yourself like this just because I used to call you fat, right?
09:07I admit, you definitely look way hotter than before.
09:11So what?
09:12In my eyes, you will always be a bitch.
09:15I didn't get angry. Instead, I smiled and took a step closer.
09:20Is that so?
09:21Not that it matters.
09:24Because I'm marrying your uncle in three days.
09:27His smirk froze instantly.
09:29So next time you see me, remember your manners, Adrian.
09:34Call me Aunt Serena.
09:37I finished speaking and walked away without looking back.
09:40Adrian stood there, staring after me, his face dark enough to kill.
09:46Aren't you worried she'll actually run off with your uncle?
09:49Just some cheap tricks. She's bluffing.
09:52You better not regret it later.
09:54From what I know, you were losing your mind while she was gone, weren't you?
09:59The next second, Adrian and Lucien locked eyes.
10:02Lucien smirked, raised his glass in a silent toast, then led me away.
10:08Adrian's face darkened as he watched me disappear into the crowd.
10:11His best friend gave him a long look.
10:13You really think she's marrying Lucien just to get your attention?
10:19Of course.
10:20She spent years chasing me.
10:22Three months away doesn't change that.
10:24Then why do you look like you're about to kill someone?
10:27Adrian scoffed.
10:29Adrian's jaw tightened.
10:31Before he could answer, Isabella walked over and handed him a cream-colored envelope.
10:35It was a formal wedding invitation.
10:38Lucien Romano and Serena Hart, three days from now.
10:41Adrian stared at the names for several seconds.
10:44Then he laughed coldly.
10:45She actually went this far.
10:48Meanwhile, I had already left the gala with Lucien.
10:51During the months I was recovering, Lucien's lawyers had handled my divorce from Adrian.
10:55The papers had been finalized weeks ago.
10:57Now there was nothing tying me to him anymore.
11:00Back at the Hart Estate, Lucien placed several wedding plans in front of me.
11:04If three days feels too soon, we can wait.
11:07I shook my head.
11:08No. Three days is fine.
11:11Lucien studied my face.
11:12You're sure?
11:14For the first time in years, I am.
11:18He smiled and slid a ring box toward me.
11:20I opened it and froze.
11:22Inside was a simple diamond ring, elegant and understated.
11:27Serena, I don't want you to marry me because I saved you.
11:31Marry me only if you truly want me.
11:34I looked at him for a long moment.
11:35Then I picked up the ring.
11:37I do.
11:40Across town, Adrian was still staring at our wedding invitation.
11:45That night, Adrian couldn't sleep.
11:47For some reason, he kept thinking about when we were kids.
11:52One year, a car lost control and came straight at us.
11:55I pushed Adrian away without thinking.
11:57He was safe, but I was knocked to the ground.
12:00My knee was bleeding badly.
12:01Adrian had been terrified.
12:03Serena, don't cry.
12:04He held my hand so tightly, his fingers shook.
12:07When we grow up, I'll marry you.
12:09I promise.
12:10Back then, I was still the girl he followed everywhere.
12:13We talked about everything.
12:14Slipped away from our bodyguards and spent entire afternoons
12:18wandering around New York.
12:19Then I turned 16.
12:21I got sick.
12:22My body started changing faster than anyone understood.
12:25I gained weight no matter what I ate, and my face became badly swollen.
12:29That was when Adrian slowly began pulling away.
12:32The boy who once held my hand started pretending he didn't know me at parties.
12:36By the time we were adults, affection had turned into disgust.
12:39For years, I kept wondering what I had done wrong.
12:42Now, I finally knew it had never been my fault.
12:45The next morning, the Romano estate was being decorated for Lucien's wedding.
12:49White flowers, crystal lights, and silk ribbons filled the halls.
12:53Everywhere Adrian looked, he saw reminders that I was about to become his aunt.
12:58And for some reason, it made him furious.
13:01Adrian had already learned that the wedding was real.
13:04Still, he refused to believe I truly wanted Lucien.
13:07The day before the ceremony, I went to the Romano estate to discuss the final arrangements with the Godfather.
13:13When I came out, Adrian was waiting near the stairs.
13:16He looked at me and sneered.
13:18You really are going through with it.
13:20I kept walking.
13:21That's usually how weddings work.
13:24He stepped in front of me.
13:26Lucien saved you from a fire.
13:28That's gratitude, Serena.
13:30Don't confuse it with love.
13:32I looked up at him.
13:33Funny.
13:35You never worried about what I confused with love when I spent years loving you.
13:39His face darkened.
13:41I continued calmly.
13:43Lucien was the one who ran into that fire.
13:45He stayed beside me through surgery.
13:48He never once made me feel ashamed of how I looked.
13:51So even if I were marrying him only because I trust him, that would still be more than enough.
13:56Adrian's jaw tightened.
14:00You're trying too hard.
14:01Before I could answer, Lucien walked over and naturally placed a hand at my waist.
14:07Is there a problem?
14:08Adrian's eyes immediately dropped to his hand.
14:11No.
14:12Lucien looked at me.
14:13Ready to go?
14:13I nodded.
14:15As we walked away, Adrian stayed where he was, staring after us.
14:19A few minutes later, his cousin Gideon arrived.
14:22Adrian looked at him.
14:24What are you doing here?
14:25Gideon smiled.
14:26Wedding business.
14:27Lucien asked me to help at tomorrow's ceremony.
14:29A thought flashed through Adrian's mind.
14:31Maybe Serena still wanted him involved after all.
14:35Adrian leaned back against the desk.
14:37So she sent you to talk to me?
14:39Gideon blinked.
14:41What?
14:42Tell Serena I'm not interested in helping with her little performance.
14:45Gideon stared at him for several seconds before finally understanding.
14:49Then he laughed.
14:50Adrian, nobody sent me to persuade you.
14:52Adrian's expression changed.
14:54Actually, Serena specifically asked Lucien not to give you any role in the wedding.
14:58Gideon continued.
15:00She said you've already been involved in enough of her life.
15:03Adrian froze.
15:04He clearly hated the idea of attending the wedding.
15:07She said that?
15:08Word for word.
15:09But hearing that I didn't want him there gave him no relief at all.
15:13Instead, something sharp twisted in his chest.
15:16Gideon watched him carefully.
15:17I thought you'd be happy.
15:19I am.
15:21Really?
15:22Adrian picked up his drink.
15:24She's just trying to get a reaction.
15:26Gideon sighed.
15:28You know, there's a point where confidence becomes delusion.
15:31Adrian shot him a cold look.
15:33Gideon raised both hands.
15:35Fine.
15:36Believe whatever you want.
15:37He started toward the door.
15:39Then paused.
15:43But Serena nearly died because of what happened at that club.
15:47Lucien was the one who carried her out.
15:48And now she's marrying him.
15:51Maybe.
15:52Just maybe.
15:53This isn't about you.
15:55After he left, Adrian stayed alone in the study.
15:58His eyes fell on the wedding invitation again.
16:00For the first time, the thought crossed his mind that tomorrow I might actually become Lucien's wife.
16:07The next morning was my wedding day.
16:08The heart estate was packed with flowers, cameras, security, and members of New York's most powerful families.
16:15Lucien came to pick me up himself.
16:17When I walked down the stairs in my wedding dress, he simply stared at me.
16:20For a moment, he forgot to speak.
16:23Is something wrong?
16:24I smiled.
16:25No.
16:26No.
16:26You look perfect.
16:28Outside, the wedding motor curds stretched down the entire block.
16:32Gideon helped open the car door for me.
16:34Before I got in, he lowered his voice.
16:37Adrian isn't coming.
16:38I looked at him.
16:39He says he's sick.
16:40I smiled faintly.
16:42Gideon, I don't care.
16:44He went quiet.
16:46Next time we meet, remember to call me Aunt Serena.
16:52He burst out laughing.
16:53The car door closed.
16:56As the motorcade pulled away, I looked back at the heart estate one last time.
17:01I had once thought marrying Adrian would be the happiest day of my life.
17:06I had been wrong.
17:08This time, I wasn't chasing anyone.
17:11I was choosing my own future.
17:17That evening, the wedding finally ended.
17:20For the first time, I understood that a wedding didn't have to feel like a punishment.
17:25No one mocked my body.
17:27No one looked at me like I was embarrassing the man beside me.
17:31Lucien never let go of my hand.
17:33When we reached the wedding suite, he stopped at the door.
17:36I had another room prepared for you.
17:39Why?
17:41You've been through surgery, months of recovery, and a divorce.
17:45He gave me a small smile.
17:47I don't expect you to become a real wife to me overnight.
17:50For a moment, I didn't know what to say.
17:53Adrian had always acted as if marrying me gave him the right to punish me.
17:57Lucien was doing the opposite.
18:02You don't need another room.
18:04Serena.
18:06We're married.
18:06And I trust you.
18:09Something softened in his eyes.
18:12Later, as I removed my jewelry, the sleeve of my dress slipped down and exposed part of the burn scar
18:18on my shoulder.
18:19I instinctively covered it.
18:24Lucia gently stopped my hand.
18:27You don't have to hide that from me.
18:30I looked at him.
18:31He didn't stare at the scar.
18:33He looked only at my face.
18:39Across New York, Adrian sat alone in his study.
18:43On his phone was a photo of Lucien kissing my forehead after the ceremony.
18:47He stared at it until the screen went dark.
18:54That night, Adrian finally fell asleep.
18:57He dreamed that he was the groom.
18:59In the dream, rain poured over the city.
19:01His suit was soaked.
19:03His shoes were ruined.
19:05And he was furious until he pushed open the wedding suite door.
19:09I was sitting beside the bed.
19:12For a second, he saw the Serena from years ago.
19:16The girl with round cheeks who used to smile every time she saw him.
19:20Then the image shifted.
19:21I became the woman he had seen at the charity gala.
19:24Wearing a white wedding dress.
19:26And looking at him with the same warmth I once had.
19:30Adrian couldn't take his eyes off me.
19:32The rain no longer mattered.
19:35All he could hear was his own heartbeat.
19:39Then he woke up.
19:41A maid was standing beside the bed.
19:44Mr. Adrian, are you awake?
19:46What time is it?
19:47His throat felt dry.
19:49After eight.
19:50Adrian sat up abundantly.
19:52What day is it?
19:53The maid looked confused.
19:55Saturday.
19:56Mr. Lucien and Miss Serena got married today.
19:58Adrian went completely still.
20:00For several seconds, he said nothing.
20:03Then he reached for his phone.
20:05Photos from the wedding were everywhere.
20:09Lucien holding my hand.
20:11Lucien putting the ring on my finger.
20:14Me smiling at him.
20:16Not at Adrian.
20:18At Luskin.
20:19He couldn't remember when that had changed.
20:22Something in Adrian's chest tightened painfully.
20:24Only then did it finally feel real.
20:27I had actually married someone else.
20:32The next morning, Isabella found Adrian still sitting in his study.
20:36He looked exhausted.
20:37Did you sleep at all?
20:40I'm fine.
20:42Isabella placed a cup of coffee in front of him.
20:46Lucien's wedding is over.
20:48Good.
20:49Adrian looked up sharply.
20:51She continued as if she hadn't noticed.
20:53Now we can focus on your future.
20:55You are still the Romano heir.
20:57Your father and the council expect you to settle down soon.
21:01There are plenty of daughters from powerful New York families.
21:04Adrian said nothing.
21:06Isabella smiled.
21:07Beautiful, educated, well-connected women.
21:10Surely one of them suits you better than Serena ever did.
21:15At the sound of my name, Adrian's fingers tightened around his glass.
21:20Isabella noticed.
21:21What's wrong?
21:23Nothing.
21:24Then stop looking like someone died.
21:27Adrian's expression turned cold.
21:30She married Uncle Lucien.
21:32To get a reaction from me.
21:36Adrian, she's married.
21:38Isabella stared at him.
21:40He didn't answer.
21:41For the first time, even his mother seemed to realize he wasn't angry because I had embarrassed him.
21:47He was angry because I had left.
21:55The day after the wedding, Lucien and I went to the Romano estate.
21:59It was a family tradition for newlyweds to visit the elders.
22:03Lucien's parents had died years ago, so the godfather and Isabella were the only senior members we needed to see.
22:09The moment we entered the main hall, I saw Adrian.
22:12He looked like he hadn't slept.
22:14His eyes landed on me first, then on Lucien's hand resting lightly against my back.
22:19Finally, his gaze dropped to the diamond ring on my finger.
22:23His expression changed.
22:24I stopped in front of him out of basic courtesy.
22:28Mr. Adrian.
22:29He looked stunned.
22:31Before, I used to say his name as if it meant everything to me.
22:36Adrian!
22:38Now my voice held nothing but distance.
22:41For a second, his eyes moved over my face.
22:44The woman standing in front of him looked nothing like the Serena he used to humiliate.
22:49But that wasn't what bothered him most.
22:52It was the way I looked at him.
22:54There was no love, no anger, not even resentment.
22:59Serena?
23:00I'm fine.
23:01I took his arm.
23:03Adrian's jaw tightened immediately.
23:05He suddenly spoke.
23:09Serena.
23:10I stopped.
23:11Something strangely hopeful flashed through his eyes when I turned back.
23:15But what I said next wiped it away completely.
23:23No, that's wrong.
23:26Adrian frowned.
23:27What?
23:28I looked at him seriously.
23:30You should call me Aunt Serena.
23:32He froze.
23:33Luchin's mouth twitched as if he was trying not to smile.
23:36Adrian finally understood what I meant.
23:38His face darkened.
23:39You think this is funny?
23:41Not at all.
23:42I kept my expression perfectly calm.
23:44You just called your uncle's wife by her first name.
23:47That's disrespectful.
23:48Are you proud of yourself?
23:49I shook my head.
23:51No.
23:52You're wrong again.
23:53A flicker of emotion crossed his face.
23:56I asked for this marriage myself.
23:59I married a man who respects me, protected me, and never treated me like something shameful.
24:06So yes, I'm happy.
24:08Adrian's breathing grew heavier.
24:09Do you expect me to believe you're happy after everything that happened?
24:13I don't care what you believe.
24:15That answer hit him harder than an insult.
24:17He started to speak, but Lucien stepped beside me.
24:20We're here to see my brother.
24:22I nodded.
24:23Then I looked back at Adrian.
24:26You look terrible.
24:27For one second, his expression softened.
24:30His eyes ipened, as if he had mistaken basic concern for affection.
24:35Then I finished.
24:36You should get some sleep.
24:38I'd hate for the Romano Eid to collapse in front of everyone.
24:42Whatever hope he had vanished.
24:44I walked away with Lucien without looking back.
24:52After that day, Adrian started asking about me more and more.
24:56He always pretended the questions were casual.
25:00How was the heart business doing?
25:02Was Lucien spending much time at my estate?
25:05Was I attending the next family dinner?
25:10Everyone noticed.
25:13A few weeks later, the Romano family hosted a formal banquet.
25:18As Lucien's wife, I attended beside him.
25:22I wore a fitted black gown, my hair pinned back,
25:26and spent most of the evening discussing business with members of the council.
25:30I wasn't the insecure girl Adrian remembered.
25:33When he finally walked over, his expression was complicated.
25:38Serena.
25:38I looked at him.
25:40Adrian, he hesitated.
25:42Are you really doing well?
25:44Very.
25:45With Lucien?
25:47Especially with Lucien.
25:50He gave a cold laugh.
25:53So that's it?
25:55He saves you once and suddenly he's perfect?
25:59My expression cooled.
26:01No.
26:04He respected me before I was beautiful enough for people to stare.
26:09He stayed when I was burned, swollen, and terrified.
26:15And most importantly, he never needed me to become someone else before he could treat me like a human being.
26:21Adrian's face went stiff.
26:23For the first time, he had no answer.
26:31I turned to leave, but Adrian caught my wrist.
26:35I pulled free immediately.
26:38Don't touch me.
26:41Several people nearby looked over.
26:44The Godfather noticed the tension and walked toward us.
26:50What's going on?
26:52Nothing.
26:52I answered calmly.
26:54Adrian said nothing.
26:55The Godfather looked at me instead.
26:58Serena.
27:00I heard you've taken full control of the Hart family's business again.
27:04And profits are already up.
27:07Very good.
27:09Thank you, Godfather.
27:12Lucian joined us and handed me a glass of water.
27:16The gesture was simple, but Adrian watched it with a dark expression.
27:21Later that night, when we returned home, Lucian didn't go upstairs.
27:26He led me into his study.
27:29There is something you need to see.
27:35He placed a tablet in front of me.
27:38On the screen was security footage from the underground club.
27:42My stomach tightened.
27:45My hands went ice cold.
27:46The video showed Adrian's men dragging me toward the warehouse.
27:51Then another camera showed one of them carrying two gasoline cans.
27:56I looked at Lucian.
27:58I thought all the footage was destroyed.
28:00He slid a folder across the desk.
28:03But someone kept a backup.
28:06Inside were payment records, deleted messages, and statements from former club employees.
28:12Lucian's voice turned cold.
28:14Adrian didn't just lock you in that room.
28:17Someone ordered the evidence cleaned up afterward.
28:20I looked down at one name repeated across the records.
28:23Isabella Romano.
28:28The next morning, Lucian called an emergency family council meeting.
28:32The Godfather, Isabella, Adrian, and the senior Romano members were all there.
28:37Lucian put the recovered footage on the main screen.
28:41Nobody spoke as they watched Adrian's men drag me into the warehouse.
28:45Then came the gasoline.
28:47Adrian's face went pale.
28:50I only told them to scare her.
28:52Lucian looked at him.
28:55You locked her in a room and had gasoline poured outside the door.
28:59What exactly did you think would happen?
29:00Adrian slammed his hand on the table.
29:02I didn't tell anyone to let the fire spread.
29:05I stared at him.
29:07You left.
29:08His eyes shifted toward me.
29:11For once, he had nothing cruel to say.
29:14Lucian threw the payment records onto the table.
29:19And after Serena almost burned alive, Isabella paid club employees to erase the footage and disappear.
29:25The Godfather turned toward his wife.
29:27Is that true?
29:29Isabella's expression finally cracked.
29:32I was protecting my son.
29:33The room erupted.
29:35I barely heard them.
29:37I was looking at Adrian.
29:39Even now, he looked horrified by the consequences.
29:42Not by what he had chosen to do.
29:45Lucian reached for my hand.
29:47I held on tightly.
29:48That was when I understood something clearly.
29:51Surviving Adrian had changed my body.
29:54Leaving him had saved my life.
29:58That night, Lucian and I returned home.
30:00I thought the worst part was over.
30:03But before we went upstairs, Lucian stopped me.
30:06There's something I've never told you.
30:09I looked at him.
30:10He took a breath.
30:11I didn't fall in love with you after the surgery.
30:14I froze.
30:17Lucian smiled faintly.
30:19I loved you long before that.
30:21He reminded me of a Romano family dinner when I was 15.
30:26A group of girls had mocked my dress.
30:29I had gone outside alone, furious and embarrassed.
30:33Lucian had found me sitting on the garden wall.
30:36I barely remembered it.
30:38He did.
30:38You were trying so hard not to cry.
30:41Then you looked at me and said,
30:44One day, none of them will matter.
30:47He laughed softly.
30:49I believed you.
30:51My throat tightened.
30:53Even after I gained all that weight?
30:54Serena.
30:55His expression became serious.
30:57I never needed you to lose a pound.
30:59At the same time, Adrian paused at the doorway of the living room.
31:04He had come to speak to Lucian about the council decision.
31:08Instead, he heard every word.
31:10The man he had accused me of using had loved me before the surgery.
31:14Before the headlines.
31:16Before the entire city called me beautiful.
31:19And suddenly, Adrian's favorite explanation disappeared.
31:23I had never changed for him.
31:25The council made its decision the next morning.
31:28Adrian was removed as Romano heir.
31:31Isabella lost her seat on the family council and control of all family businesses while the fire cover-up was
31:36investigated.
31:37That afternoon, Adrian came to the Lucian estate.
31:44He pushed past the guards and found me in the main hall.
31:47Serena.
31:48His eyes were red.
31:50I know I was wrong.
31:52I said nothing.
31:57I thought you would always come back.
31:59I thought no matter what I did, you would still love me.
32:01His voice broke.
32:04I was an idiot.
32:06Give me one more chance.
32:08Adrian, Serena's my wife.
32:10Lucian stepped between up.
32:12I don't care what you used to look like.
32:14Adrian ignored him and looked only at me.
32:16I don't care about any of it anymore.
32:19I almost laughed.
32:22That's exactly the problem.
32:24He froze.
32:26You only decided I had value after I became beautiful enough for everyone else to want me.
32:30You didn't love me when I was fat.
32:31You didn't even treat me like a person.
32:33You almost burned me alive.
32:35His face went white.
32:38I took Lucian's hand.
32:40I will never forgive you.
32:42And from now on, show my wife some respect.
32:46Lucian looked at Adrian coldly.
32:48He's right.
32:49I smiled faintly.
32:51Next time, remember to call me Aunt Serena.
32:53Then I walked away with Lucian.
32:55My new life had only just begun.
33:00A week after the council's decision, Lucian and I were having dinner in Manhattan.
33:04It was our first quiet evening since the wedding.
33:07The restaurant was exclusive.
33:08The kind of place where privacy was guaranteed.
33:11You seem lighter today.
33:12I am.
33:14For the first time in years, I don't feel like I'm carrying a boulder on my chest.
33:18Lucian poured me a glass of wine, his eyes never leaving my face.
33:21I smiled, taking a sip.
33:23He reached across the table and lightly touched my hand.
33:26I'm glad.
33:28Suddenly, there was a commotion near the entrance.
33:30I looked up and saw a familiar, disheveled figure arguing with the maitreda.
33:34It was Adrian.
33:35He looked nothing like the polished Romano heir he used to was.
33:38Let him speak.
33:39His suit was wrinkled and he looked entirely unhinged.
33:41He shoved past the staff and headed straight for our table.
33:44Serena, I need to talk to you.
33:46Adrian stopped a few feet away, passing heavily.
33:49We have nothing to say to each other, Adrian.
33:51My mother is being indicted.
33:53The family has completely cut me off.
33:55Are you happy now? You destroyed my entire life!
33:58Put my wine glass down very slowly.
33:59I didn't destroy your life, Adrian.
34:01Your own cruelty did.
34:02You locked me in a burning room.
34:04Your mother covered it up.
34:05This is simply the consequence of your own actions.
34:10Adrian's face twisted in desperate anger.
34:13You planned this!
34:14You married him just to humiliate me and steal everything I had!
34:17Lucian finally stood up.
34:19He didn't yell.
34:21He didn't raise his voice.
34:23But the sheer, terrifying aura of the Mafia Godfather filled the room.
34:28Adrian.
34:30You are speaking to my wife.
34:33If you raise your voice at her again, losing your inheritance will be the least of your problems.
34:38Adrian froze, visibly shrinking back.
34:42He realized, perhaps for the first time, that Lucian was no longer just his uncle.
34:47He was the man who could end his life with a single phone call.
34:50You think he really loves you?
34:52He's just playing the hero.
34:53I stood up and stood right beside Lucian.
34:55And what were you playing, Adrian?
34:57The villain?
34:57You are pathetic.
34:58You can't even take responsibility for your own failures.
35:01I signaled to the guards.
35:03Remove him.
35:04He's ruining our dinner.
35:05The guards immediately grabbed Adrian by the arms.
35:07Serena!
35:08You'll regret this!
35:09You hear me?
35:10They dragged him out of the restaurant as he continued to shout.
35:13The other patrons stared in shocked silence.
35:16I sat back down, completely unfazed.
35:18You handled that beautifully.
35:20I picked up my fork, feeling perfectly fine.
35:23I'm just taking out the trash.
35:28A few months later, the legal and family proceedings concluded.
35:31Isabella was officially sentenced for evidence tampering and conspiracy.
35:34The godfather formally announced his retirement, handing the absolute control of the Romano family over to Lucian.
35:41I was sitting in Lucian's study, reviewing some charity foundation documents.
35:45Since marrying Lucian, I had taken over the family's legitimate philanthropic operations.
35:51Lucian walked in and placed a thick file on the desk.
35:54The final asset transfers.
35:56The Hart family properties and your personal trust have been fully separated from the main Romano holdings.
36:02They are entirely yours, legally protected.
36:04Even if something happens to me, no one can touch them.
36:07I looked up at him in surprise.
36:09You didn't have to do that.
36:12I wanted to.
36:13I want you to stay with me because you choose to.
36:16Not because you are financially bound to me.
36:19My heart warmed.
36:21This was the exact opposite of the suffocating, controlling dynamic I had with Adrian.
36:25Lucian gave me absolute freedom and ultimate respect.
36:30I'm not going anywhere.
36:31He pulled me close, resting his chin on the top of my head.
36:35Good.
36:36Because I'm never letting you go.
36:39Winter arrived in New York.
36:41I was leaving a foundation meeting, wrapped in a warm, elegant cashmere coat.
36:45As I walked toward my waiting car, I noticed a man huddled near a subway grate, begging for change.
36:52He looked sickly, deeply impoverished, and completely broken.
36:56It was Adrian.
36:57Without his family's money, his lack of real skills and his toxic arrogance had made him unemployable.
37:04He had spiraled into complete poverty.
37:07He looked up, and our eyes met.
37:10For a second, the bustling city noise seemed to fade.
37:14He saw me, radiant, powerful, and surrounded by loyal guards.
37:19He saw the life he could have had, the woman he threw away, and the absolute ruin he had brought
37:25upon himself.
37:26He quickly lowered his head, trying to hide his face in his dirty collar.
37:31He was too ashamed to even speak.
37:33I stopped for a brief moment.
37:35I didn't mock him.
37:37I didn't yell.
37:38I just looked at him with total indifference.
37:41Then I turned around and got into my car.
37:44He wasn't worth my anger anymore.
37:46He was simply a stranger.
37:49That evening, a light snow began to fall over the estate.
37:52I saw the top floor terrace, watching the city lights glitter through the snowflakes.
37:56Lucien stepped out, draping a heavy, warm blanket over my shoulders.
38:01Thinking about the past?
38:02I took a sip of the warm wine and smiled.
38:06No.
38:07I'm thinking about future.
38:08I leaned back against his strong chest.
38:11From a desperate, humiliated girl, who almost burned to death, to the most respected and powerful woman in the city.
38:18I had reclaimed my body, my dignity, and my fortune.
38:23And I had found a man who truly understood how to love.
38:27He kissed me deeply, and I kissed him back with everything I had.
38:31The toxic trash of my past had burned away completely.
38:34What remained was pure, unshakable power, and an incredibly beautiful life.
38:42I am Serena Hart Romano, and my glorious reign has only just begun.