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00:00I'm Ivy, the streamer in the lace mask, and also the best behaved boy at NYU.
00:06My top gifter, D, said he wanted to be my dog.
00:09Before I blocked him, he left one last comment in the chat,
00:12You can't run from me.
00:13Eight months later, my best friend takes me home.
00:15I look up and see, on the gatepost, the exact same surname that top gifter D had attached to his
00:20tips.
00:22Hello Ivy.
00:24On the 3rd of October, I sit in my best friend's car with my luggage
00:28as we pass through a wrought iron gate on Long Island's North Shore.
00:31Two words are carved into the gatepost.
00:34Marchetti.
00:37Welcome home, Miss Marchetti.
00:41Bianca, isn't your last bame Rossi?
00:43That's my mom's name.
00:44Would you still have moved in with me if I told you?
00:47You fight me for the last slice of pizza every single day, and you're secretly a mob princess?
00:51Everyone's equal in front of pizza.
00:54A man is coming down the spiral staircase on the 2nd floor.
00:59Dante, this is Julian, my roommate.
01:04Don't even think about it.
01:06My brother can't stand people who throw themselves at him.
01:08Ever since some online girlfriend dumped him, he'd kick a puppy if it got in his way.
01:12My throat goes dry.
01:15Bianca, your brother's name isn't Dante, is it?
01:22Oh my god, how did you know?
01:24My heart sinks to the bottom.
01:26Not only did I fall into an online romance with my best friend's own brother,
01:31but eight months after breaking up with him and blocking him, I've moved into his house.
01:37Oh, wait, I get it.
01:39We're so close, I must have mentioned his name at some point.
01:43Yeah, probably.
01:44I'm rooted to the spot.
01:46My ex from the internet lives in the same house as me.
01:49This is terrifying.
01:51I think back to an hour ago.
01:52Bianca brought me home, and Dante came downstairs in a bathrobe,
01:56the belt loose, radiating an aura of,
01:59I'm in charge here.
02:00I stared at him, and he only gave me a faint nod.
02:14Yet on the late night calls, his voice was low and hoarse.
02:18Baby, if you don't speak, I'll just listen to you breathe.
02:21The things he said used to keep me thrilled until two in the morning,
02:24burying my face in my pillow and kicking my legs.
02:27He's only ever seen pictures of me in a lace mask and women's clothes.
02:30If he saw what I really looked like,
02:32he'd surely never whisper sweet words to me again.
02:35So, how many girlfriends has your brother had?
02:38Just one, and it was online.
02:40He was crazy about her, and she dumped him just like that.
02:43Didn't even let him save face.
02:45He's been in a mood ever since.
02:47If he's rude to you, don't take it personally.
02:49He's like that with everyone.
02:52The next morning, lemon ricotta pancakes are laid out on the long dining table.
02:57The scent of coffee mingling with cream.
02:59Dante sits across from me.
03:01I can't help sneaking looks at him.
03:03Suddenly, he raises his eyes.
03:05His gaze collides with mine, and one brow lifts slightly.
03:08I hurriedly look away, but that gaze doesn't leave me.
03:12Julian, try the pancakes.
03:14They're my specialty.
03:15These are amazing, Mrs. Marche.
03:16The best pancakes I've ever had.
03:18What a sweet boy.
03:19Stay as long as you like.
03:20Make yourself at home.
03:21I nod with a smile, telling myself again and again,
03:24stay calm.
03:25He's never seen my face.
03:26All he loves is a stolen picture, not who I am now.
03:29The conversation turns to Dante.
03:31The girl I set you up with.
03:33What did you think?
03:33Ma, I'm not interested.
03:34I've met her twice, and I couldn't tell you what she looks like.
03:36You don't like any of them.
03:38Sometimes I wonder if you've already got someone in your heart.
03:40Mom, he does.
03:41It's just complicated.
03:42Whoever he's waiting on likes to play games.
03:44Bianca.
03:45Zipping it.
03:46I want to bury my face in my plate,
03:47but the more you fear something, the more it comes for you.
03:51Julian Hart.
03:51I shudder all over, and the fork nearly slips from my hand.
03:55Hearing my name in his mouth sends a tingling numbness running down my spine.
03:59You look guilty.
04:01What did you do that you shouldn't have?
04:08I freeze.
04:08I freeze, not knowing what to say, and Lucia bails me out.
04:13Behave, you brat.
04:15Julian is a guest.
04:16No bullying.
04:18Wow, Dante.
04:19I only mentioned Julian's name one time, and you remembered it.
04:23The whole table laughs.
04:24No one notices that Dante slowly narrows his eyes.
04:29After breakfast, I'm pouring water downstairs when I run into Lucia picking up her car keys.
04:36Where are you headed?
04:38My son left some files at home this morning.
04:40I have to run them over myself.
04:41He's never this scatterbraided.
04:43I don't know what's gotten into him today.
04:46Let me do it.
04:47You rest.
04:49Oh, I couldn't ask you to.
04:52It's no trouble.
04:54It's the least I can do.
04:55She can't talk me out of it, and sends the address to my phone.
04:59The taxi merges onto the highway.
05:01I can't help searching Dante's name.
05:03The reviews online are strikingly consistent.
05:06Cold-blooded.
05:08Untouchable.
05:09It's hard to imagine such a man keeping watch, night after night, over a small-time streamer's
05:14livestream.
05:15A year ago, I was a sophomore.
05:18My parents were in the middle of a divorce, and the house never had a quiet day.
05:22Every night, I did voice-only livestreams.
05:25And in that room, he was the only one who listened to me talk.
05:30Don't sign off.
05:31Stay five more minutes.
05:34You say that every night?
05:36Because I miss you every day, baby.
05:38I lied about my age, never gave my real name, never posted a real photo, and gave him only
05:43half an hour of my voice each night.
05:45He sent me money, and I returned it, bit by bit.
05:49I don't want your money.
05:51Then what do you want?
05:53I want you on the other end of the line.
05:55Later, he started getting clingy.
05:57Finals were only two weeks away.
05:59My head was full of dresses, masks, and a single thought.
06:02What if he sees the real me?
06:05I want to see you, Ivy.
06:08Meeting up is pointless.
06:10I'm tired of this.
06:11Let's end it.
06:13Block.
06:13Delete.
06:14I thought that after so long, he would have moved on long ago.
06:18But remembering Bianca's line, he liked her a lot.
06:21My heart sinks.
06:23I never moved on at all.
06:24I walk into the Marchetti Tower.
06:27Sir, who are you here to see?
06:29I'm dropping off some files for Mr. Marchetti.
06:31His mother asked me to bring them.
06:33Right this way.
06:34The elevator pings open, and I go completely rigid.
06:38In the backlight, Dante's jawline looks carved with a knife.
06:41His suit immaculate, trailed by a group of board members twice his age.
06:44Yet not one of them has an aura that can press down on him.
06:47This is what he's like at work.
06:49He was born to command a room.
06:51Mr. Marcelli, who's this?
06:53Everyone's eyes are glued to me.
06:55A friend.
06:57Not his sister's classmate.
06:59Not a house guest.
07:01A friend.
07:03This gentleman is just here to drop off some files.
07:06Take him to my office.
07:11Files delivered?
07:12I'll get out of your way.
07:15Suddenly, my forearm is blocked.
07:17It's Dante's hand, clamped around my arm.
07:21Did I say you could leave?
07:29He's so close that I can smell him.
07:31Like pine branches dusted with winter snow.
07:33Where his fingertips touch me, it feels like a tiny jolt of electricity.
07:36Wait for me in my office.
07:37I have something to say to you.
07:40The vast office has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the whole of Manhattan.
07:45By the time the assistant comes in to change my coffee for the third time,
07:49I can't sit still anymore.
07:51The door opens and Dante walks in.
07:54I instinctively stand.
07:59Mr. Marchetti...
08:00Sit.
08:01You don't work for me.
08:02Don't call me that.
08:04Then why did you keep me here?
08:07Do you have your phone?
08:11Yeah.
08:13Add me.
08:14I'll reimburse your cab fear.
08:16You don't have to.
08:17I'm living in your house, and I haven't paid a cent.
08:21That's different.
08:22I don't like owing people.
08:24I'm about to refuse when a thought flashes through my mind.
08:27Why is he so insistent?
08:29Unless he suspects something.
08:31I pull up the QR code.
08:32I see his fingers trembling faintly, as if he's hoping for something.
08:36He scrolls through my profile for a long time, and in the end, he looks like all the strength has
08:41been drained out of him.
08:42I quietly breathe a sigh of relief.
08:44The old account was deleted long ago.
08:46I see that his profile picture is a pixel art black cat with one green eye.
08:50It's the couple avatar I casually picked for him a year ago.
08:53All this time, he never changed it.
08:56Dante's car stops at the front door.
08:58Julian, it's Cole's birthday tonight, and everyone's going.
09:02You're coming too!
09:04On the way out, Bianca mutters at her phone.
09:06Ugh.
09:07My brother wants to know where I'm going tonight.
09:09He's so nosy.
09:11She replies on a whim, not thinking much of it.
09:13She really should have thought harder.
09:15At the entrance to an Italian restaurant in Midtown, Colin greets us with a smile.
09:19Julian, I told everyone, no gifts.
09:22What you gave me last time was way more expensive.
09:25I can't sleep if I don't return the favor.
09:28I hand him the watch.
09:29He takes it, and his smile stiffens for a moment.
09:32You really are something.
09:33You keep score every single time.
09:36Even brothers split the check.
09:38During dinner, they start a game of truth, and I get picked.
09:42When's the last time you felt something for someone?
09:46Eight months ago.
09:47Eight months ago.
09:49That night, Dante's friend was whistling on the other end of the phone.
09:53Boss, here you go again, bending over backwards for her.
09:56She's just some girl from the internet.
09:58You're seriously going to be her dog?
10:01Shut up.
10:06If I want to be my girl's dog, that's my business.
10:09My heart skips, and a trace of sweetness spreads through me.
10:13When I come back to myself, a dark look flickers across Colin's eyes.
10:17Across the table, Paige is already two glasses of red wine in, and turns to smile at me.
10:23Julian, is there someone waiting for you?
10:25No.
10:29Oh, sweetie.
10:31Guys don't care about personality.
10:33They only look at the packaging.
10:36Wrong packaging, and they won't even bother opening the box.
10:40She squeezes my arm, wearing a face of phony concern.
10:44Stop waiting around.
10:46Stop wait ones.
10:48No one's coming to save you.
10:50The table falls dead silent.
10:52The restaurant door swings open.
10:55Sorry, I'm late, baby.
10:56Baby.
10:57In real life, he's never called me that.
11:00The whole table is stunned.
11:02Paige's hand is still resting on my arm, but when Dante only glances down at it, she pulls
11:07it back as if scalded.
11:09Bianca, sitting across from us, is holding back laughter so hard her shoulders shake.
11:15Dante leans down, his voice low, yet just loud enough for the whole table to hear.
11:20You should have told me you had plans.
11:22I'd have come sooner.
11:24Colin speaks through gritted teeth.
11:26The game's not over.
11:28Julian didn't finish his truth.
11:30Penalty, eight shots.
11:33What are you doing?
11:34Julian's allergic to alcohol.
11:36Don't you know that?
11:38Nobody speaks.
11:39Dante's hand slowly tightens at my waist.
11:43I'll drink it for him.
11:44He picks up the bottle and fills the glasses one by one.
11:49Eight, right?
11:51Yes.
11:52He doesn't even look at her.
11:54His throat moves as he tilts his head back and downs one in a single go.
11:58Then the second, the third.
12:00The light falls on the side of his face, cold as a blade's edge.
12:05After all eight go down, he sets the glass aside and takes hold of my wrist.
12:11Excuse us.
12:12I'm borrowing him.
12:13Sure, sure.
12:14Don't mind me.
12:16I'm just your sister.
12:19Stay and have fun.
12:21He leads me out, walking straight past Paige.
12:24I don't look back, and I don't need to.
12:26The hand he rests on my back has already said everything.
12:31Seatbelt, baby.
12:32My hands won't obey me.
12:33He leans over from the driver's seat and fastens it for me himself.
12:38I can do it.
12:39Don't move.
12:41His breath brushes my ear, carrying the scent of whiskey.
12:44He doesn't sit back right away.
12:46I used to date someone who was allergic to alcohol.
12:50Lots of people are.
12:51School?
12:52A few people at my school are.
12:55Funny thing is, I keep thinking about someone who could never fall asleep before 2 a.m.
13:02Sounds exhausting.
13:03Does it sound familiar?
13:05Not at all.
13:06I go to bed super early.
13:09You must be thinking of someone else.
13:11The car pulls away from the restaurant.
13:14The car stops in the manor's driveway.
13:16He cuts the engine and rests both hands on the steering wheel.
13:20Get some sleep, Julian.
13:22If you can.
13:23He gets out and comes around to open my door.
13:26I'm frozen in my seat, because if you can sleep was never advice.
13:30It was a challenge.
14:01I don't sleep all night.
14:02The sales clerk comes to greet us with a perfect smile, her eyes landing on Bianca first.
14:07Miss Marcelli, always a pleasure.
14:11Then, her gaze falls on the dress in my hands.
14:15Sir, the women's line here is cut for women's bodies.
14:19We don't alter pieces.
14:22I just wanted to try one on.
14:24We don't offer that kind of service.
14:26Two blocks down in Chelsea, there's a well-known drag boutique.
14:31It would be a much better fit for customers like you.
14:37I put the dress back on the rack and turn to leave.
14:40I've barely gone three steps when the doorbell rings.
14:44Dante walks in.
14:45He heads straight for me and puts a hand on my arm.
14:49Where do you think you're going?
14:53Find anything you like?
14:55No, I...
14:57Why not?
14:57Oh, Mr. Marchetti, we were just explaining to this gentleman that our collection isn't really suited to his...
15:04Isn't suited to his what?
15:07It isn't a question.
15:08The clerk's smile begins to stiffen.
15:11Get your manager.
15:13The manager hurries over, all smiles.
15:17Mr. Marchello, how may I help you?
15:20One of your employees just told...
15:22my boyfriend to go shop at a drag boutique in Chelsea.
15:26Bianca gasps.
15:27I open my mouth to correct him, then close it again, because he isn't asking for permission.
15:32Sir, I'm so deeply sorry.
15:35I don't need your apology.
15:37He takes out a black card and pushes it across the counter.
15:41I'm buying this store.
15:43Starting today, every piece gets remade to his measurements.
15:48He gives the clerk a look.
15:49Just one.
15:50Her.
15:52Fired.
15:53On the sidewalk, Bianca stares at her brother, as if meeting him for the first time.
15:57You just bought an entire store for Julian?
15:59And called him your boyfriend?
16:01Since when?
16:03This morning.
16:04He opens the car door and looks at me across the roof.
16:07Get in, baby.
16:08That baby isn't meant for anyone at the dinner table.
16:10It's only for me.
16:12Back at the manor, I go straight upstairs and skip dinner.
16:15Bianca knocks on the door.
16:17Your fake boyfriend just bought you an entire store.
16:23Are you okay?
16:24Not right now.
16:26My phone lights up.
16:27Have you eaten?
16:28Reply to me, Julian.
16:29I flip the phone face down on the bed.
16:33Two hours later, someone knocks at the door.
16:35Not hard, but steady.
16:38Open the door.
16:39I know you're awake.
16:41Otherwise, I'm letting myself in.
16:45I turn the lock, and he walks past me and locks the door behind him.
16:49His suit jacket is draped over his arm.
16:51His tie loosened.
16:53Sit.
16:54What?
16:56Sit down, Julian.
16:57I sit back down on the edge of the bed.
16:59He stops in front of me and plays an audio clip on his phone.
17:02A soft female voice drifts out of the speaker.
17:05Good night, D.
17:06See you tomorrow.
17:08It's my voice.
17:10It's Ivy's voice.
17:11All the blood in my body runs cold.
17:15Hello, Ivy.
17:17I can't move.
17:18He puts his phone away, his tone eerily calm.
17:22I looked for you for eight months.
17:25I know.
17:27You know?
17:29He laughs.
17:30Not funny at all.
17:34Three private investigators.
17:37All of them searching for a girl.
17:39The name.
17:40The age.
17:41The photos.
17:44Everything you gave me was fake.
17:46It never occurred to any of them to check a boy's closet.
17:49Dante, I can explain.
17:54Go ahead.
17:55I open my mouth and nothing comes out.
17:58Because what could I say?
18:00What?
18:01Nothing?
18:03I thought you wouldn't want real me.
18:07You fell for a girl's voice and a stolen photo?
18:11Never.
18:12I was never a girl.
18:16He crouches on one knee in front of me and looks up at me.
18:19A position that makes him look nothing like a Don.
18:22I know exactly what I fell in love with.
18:25The person who hid under the covers at 2 a.m.
18:29Crying over their parents' divorce.
18:31The person who sent my money back bit by bit.
18:36The person who called me in the middle of the night
18:41just to hear me breathe.
18:44Which part of that was a photo?
18:49But I'm a man.
18:52I noticed.
18:54He actually laughs.
18:55And his thumb brushes the corner of my eye.
18:58And only then do I realize I'm crying.
19:00Now that you know, what are you going to do?
19:02This time, don't run.
19:05That night, he doesn't leave.
19:07He sits on the floor beside my bed.
19:09Jacket off.
19:10Not looking at me.
19:12Not saying anything.
19:15Dante, why are you sitting on the floor?
19:18Because if I got on that bed, you'd be in danger.
19:22Go to sleep, baby.
19:27In the end, I do fall asleep.
19:30When I wake up at 8, he's gone.
19:33On the nightstand, there's a cup of warm coffee with a note tucked beneath it.
19:37Until you're ready.
19:38I change into a hoodie and jeans and head downstairs.
19:42By the kitchen island, he lifts his head from his coffee, the corner of his mouth twitching.
19:48Morning.
19:51Bianca walks in and gasps.
19:54Dante, you're smiling!
19:55You never smile before 10.
19:58Did you two do something?
20:01Get out.
20:03Fine, fine.
20:04I'm going.
20:05He pulls out the bar stool beside him and I sit.
20:08His hand slides onto my knee and rests there lightly.
20:12Are you okay?
20:14I don't know.
20:16You really don't care?
20:18The dresses, the mask, everything I lied to you about?
20:22I care about every part of you.
20:26I don't care that you're not the girl in the photo.
20:29What I care about is that you spent a whole year thinking you had to be her.
20:33The phone on the table buzzes.
20:35Enzo.
20:36Boss, Miss Selena is back.
20:38He glances down at it and his expression changes completely.
20:43Who's Serena?
20:46The one my mother picked for me.
20:49Dante leaves and Bianca sits down next to me.
20:53He's gone?
20:54Where did he go?
20:57Serena?
20:58Oh no.
21:00Bianca, I have to tell you something.
21:03The girl your brother was dating online?
21:06That was me.
21:07She's stunned for 10 seconds.
21:11Wait.
21:12So you're the one who had my brother on a leash?
21:17Yes.
21:18She slumps over the counter, laughing uncontrollably.
21:21And only when she's done does she wipe her tears.
21:26That's my girl.
21:28Knew I picked a good best friend.
21:31Okay, serious talk.
21:34Serena Vos.
21:36The daughter of my brother's most important ally.
21:39She's liked him since she was 14.
21:41Just got back from design school in Paris, model body, speaks four languages, and her dad's worth 500 million.
21:48He's turned her down for two years.
21:51He'll turn her down again.
21:53Yesterday, he bought a whole store, called you his boyfriend in front of total strangers, and slept on your floor.
22:02So what's with that face?
22:04But she's Serena, and I'm just...
22:09Up.
22:12We're going out.
22:14She drags me back to the Fifth Avenue boutique.
22:17When Monsieur Laurent sees me, he actually gasps.
22:21Mr. Hart, the team's been at it six since six this morning.
22:26The samples are ready.
22:27He leads us into a private room.
22:29Rows upon rows of brand new clothes, all in my size.
22:34I put on a black sequined mesh gown, off the shoulder, and form-fitting.
22:38Bianca is stunned for a second by the person in the mirror.
22:41Julian, this is what clothes look like when they're made for you.
22:47You look gorgeous.
22:48The doorbell rings.
22:50A tall blonde woman walks in with a designer handbag and a radiant smile, with Lucia at her side.
22:57Oh, you must be Julian.
23:02I'm Serena Vos.
23:04Dante and I grew up together.
23:06I don't shake her hand.
23:07Her smile only grows.
23:10Dante is a Marcini.
23:13He'll run this family.
23:16He'll marry for it.
23:18He'll need an heir.
23:21And who's going to give him one?
23:26She slowly looks me up and down.
23:30This life isn't for you.
23:33Serena, that's enough.
23:35I'm not saying you're not lovely.
23:38You are.
23:39I'm just saying he'll wake up one day.
23:41You're a chapter, not the whole book.
23:44Lucia stands beside her, her lips moving, but not a word comes out.
23:48She looks at the gown on my body, then at my face, shock written across hers.
23:53Monsieur Laurent gasps, and Bianca is shaking with rage.
23:57I look Serena straight in the eye.
24:00Thank you for being honest.
24:01I turn to Lucia.
24:03Thank you for breakfast, Mrs. Marchecchi.
24:05Tonight.
24:06I'm heading back to my dorm tonight.
24:08I take off the black gown and change back into my hoodie.
24:12Bianca chases me into the fitting room.
24:17Julian.
24:18I know.
24:19Let's go home.
24:23The next morning, Dante laid a garment bag on my bed.
24:27What's this?
24:28Tonight's charity gala.
24:30You're my boyfriend.
24:32You're coming.
24:36I'm not going to the gala.
24:42You don't have to do anything.
24:44Just be there.
24:45He kissed my forehead and left.
24:47Inside the bag was a gown, custom tailored, every inch made to my measurements.
24:53Selina's voice echoed in my head.
24:55You don't belong in a life like this.
24:57I put it on anyway.
24:58When I come downstairs and he sees me, he walks over, takes my hand, and presses a kiss to my
25:04knuckles.
25:05His hand rests steadily on my back.
25:07This is Julian Hart, my partner.
25:12In the corner, a white-haired old man coughs, his gaze landing on the hem of my dress like a
25:18knife.
25:19If anyone has something to say, say it to me.
25:23None of the guests dare speak.
25:25Selina's father, Victor, claps him on the shoulder.
25:28Business.
25:29Two minutes.
25:32Dante turns to look at me.
25:34Two minutes, baby.
25:38He walks away.
25:40I stand alone in the crowd, and behind me, someone lowers their voice.
25:44Who's that?
25:46Apparently he's Mr. Marcelli's...
25:48partner.
25:49I look up and see Dante on the other side of the room, talking to a woman in a white
25:54gown.
25:55It's Selina.
25:56She leans close to his ear and murmurs something.
25:59He laughs.
26:00Loud and all wrong.
26:02I put down my champagne and walk quickly toward the exit.
26:06In the taxi, I give the Long Island address, then change my mind.
26:13I go back to my dorm, switch off my phone, and sit on the edge of the bed, staring at
26:18the wall.
26:19At midnight, someone pows on the door.
26:22Julian, open up.
26:24Your phone's off.
26:25The cab records show this address.
26:28Dante, just go home.
26:29What did I do wrong?
26:31Nothing.
26:32Tell me what I did wrong.
26:34Nothing at all.
26:34Then open the door.
26:36Not tonight.
26:37His voice changes.
26:39Not anger, but fear.
26:41Please.
26:41I stand by the door for a long time.
26:44Then I hear footsteps, one by one, receding.
26:49I slide down the door, sit on the floor, and finally, I cry.
26:56I wake up on the floor.
26:58I turn on my phone.
27:0047 missed calls.
27:02More than 20 texts.
27:04Julian, please.
27:05Did you get home?
27:06Where are you?
27:10At noon, the front desk calls.
27:12Mr. Hart, a gentleman dropped something off this morning.
27:17He said it had to be handed to you personally.
27:21In the paper bag is a bowl of chicken soup with a note pressed under it.
27:26You get sick whenever you don't sleep.
27:28Please eat something.
27:30Dante, it's from the very same place he once ordered soup for me over the internet when I had a
27:35fever a year ago.
27:41A car is parked downstairs.
27:44Come to the window, Julian.
27:46He's standing in the street without a coat, looking up at me.
27:49I grab my jacket and run downstairs, stopping three steps from him.
27:57Say what you came to say.
28:01I know she said something cruel to you.
28:06I was laughing at her, not agreeing with her.
28:11I've never laughed like that, around you.
28:16Because you're someone I want to cherish.
28:22What did she say to you?
28:26None of that matters.
28:28What matters is that I'm going to marry you.
28:31Dante, you barely know me.
28:33I know you better than she does.
28:35Pack up your dorm tomorrow.
28:37And if you say no, I'll sleep in your hallway every night until you say yes.
28:42The wind plasters his shirt against him.
28:45Only now do I see how red his eyes are.
28:51The next day, I drag my luggage downstairs.
28:54And Enzo's car is already parked at the dorm entrance.
28:58Mr. Hart, the boss asked me to take you.
29:08Thanks.
29:09Is he busy today?
29:17He left at five.
29:19Honestly, I haven't seen the boss this nervous in a long time.
29:25My phone buzzes.
29:27Unknown number.
29:28Coffee.
29:2911 this morning, 5th Avenue, Blue Door.
29:32Blue Door is a cafe without even a sign, where a latte costs $12.
29:37She's already seated in the corner, back against the wall, her chair facing the door.
29:42Cream-colored coat, no makeup, looking completely worn out.
29:48You came.
29:50I wasn't sure you would.
29:54How did you get my number?
29:58I've been in this family's contact list since I was 14.
30:02She pushes an envelope across to me.
30:04Open it.
30:07No.
30:12Julian, please.
30:14I don't move.
30:15She pulls out a photo of herself and slides it in front of me.
30:18A black-haired girl, a teenager, standing on a beach and smiling at the camera.
30:22It's the face I casually stole years ago and sent to Dante, saying,
30:26This is me.
30:27I stopped moving.
30:29I stopped moving.
30:35Her name is Nora Whitlock.
30:38She's my cousin.
30:40My fingertips go cold.
30:43Three years ago, she posted this photo.
30:46Her account was public.
30:49Later, someone screenshotted it and posted it on a forum where people were hunting for Ivy's real face.
30:55The bell above the door rings.
30:57Her head whips around too fast.
30:59She watches the customer walk in, sit down, and open a laptop before turning back.
31:05This is a post from last spring.
31:08She's sitting in a car, wearing a hoodie.
31:10The caption says,
31:12Sometimes, even when no one's looking, it feels like someone's watching.
31:18Three hours later, she deleted it.
31:21What happened after that?
31:23Men started showing up.
31:25For weeks.
31:27They kept asking whether she was Ivy.
31:30She said no.
31:31They didn't believe her.
31:33One of them followed her.
31:35Home.
31:39Oh my God.
31:41She started sleeping with the lights on, checking the lock three times.
31:45My father made some calls, and got your side's advisor to call the investigators off.
31:52They'd been asking about Ivy everywhere.
31:56Dante has no idea what money.
32:00Almost set in motion.
32:07Is she okay now?
32:10She's fine.
32:12But for a while, she wasn't.
32:15I'm not trying to destroy you.
32:17I just need you to understand.
32:20What could have happened to a girl.
32:22Who did nothing wrong.
32:25She leaves the envelope on the table.
32:35Tell Dante he'll forgive you.
32:37For anything, Julian.
32:40It's himself he won't forgive.
32:44She leaves.
32:45My hands are shaking too hard to hold my cup.
32:51I call Dante right away.
32:53It rings for a long time.
32:55Then goes to voicemail.
32:57Enzo texts.
32:59The boss is in a meeting with Mr. Victor.
33:01Phone on silent.
33:02I sit on the curb, clutching my phone.
33:05Unable to stop shaking.
33:07The screen lights up.
33:08A text from Colin.
33:10I'm sorry about last time.
33:12Everybody's at the usual place.
33:13Come hang out.
33:14My treat.
33:15Something other than alcohol.
33:17I just don't want to be alone.
33:21At the bar, I order a club soda.
33:23In a few seconds, I turn away to reply to a message.
33:26Someone touches my glass.
33:27You're so quiet tonight.
33:28It's nothing.
33:29Just tired.
33:31I take a sip.
33:33Before long, a wave of heat bursts from my chest and spreads through my limbs.
33:37My vision starts to blur.
33:43Julian, you look terrible.
33:44I don't feel well.
33:48There's a hotel nearby.
33:51I'll get a room so you can lie down for a bit.
33:58His hand lands on my waist, an unfamiliar scent pressing in.
34:02I try desperately to push him away, but I don't have a bit of strength.
34:18Just as I'm about to despair, an urgent voice sounds at my ear.
34:23Julian!
34:27I'm wrapped completely in a familiar scent.
34:32When I come to again, we're already in the car.
34:35I'm straddling his lap, my body temperature frighteningly high.
34:38Only when I'm pressed against him do I feel a little better.
34:41I take the initiative and capture his lips, sucking hard.
34:45His breathing falls apart, and, panting, he buttons my undone buttons back up.
34:51Julian, no.
34:56Dante, I feel awful.
35:02I know.
35:03Hang in there.
35:05But I can't hear anything.
35:07We tangle all the way home, one arm holding me, the other hand on his phone.
35:12Now, get Dr. Abraham to my house.
35:17Right now!
35:17After hanging up, he carries me into the bathroom, sets me in a bathtub filled with cold water, yanks off
35:24his tie, and winds it around my wrists, loop after loop.
35:29Be good.
35:31The doctor's on his way.
35:32I pout, wronged to the extreme.
35:36You don't want me?
35:39I pull him down by the neck and sink my teeth into his soft lips.
35:43His whole body jolts hard, and when he speaks again, his voice is rough.
35:50Julian, can you hold on?
35:52A little longer, please?
35:54I don't know what this drug does.
35:56I won't gamble.
35:58Your body with your body.
35:59All I feel is a rush of fire to the heart.
36:02My vision goes dark, and I pass out.
36:08When I wake up, it's already the next morning.
36:11I'm lying on an unfamiliar big bed, and the person asleep at the bedside is Dante.
36:17The moment I move, he wakes.
36:20You're up?
36:21Anything hurt?
36:23Last night.
36:25My throat is terribly hoarse.
36:27He hands me a glass of water, and the cold water soothes my throat.
36:34Nothing happened last night.
36:36Don't worry.
36:37The doctor checked you.
36:39If you feel any discomfort, I'll take you to the hospital right now.
36:44I look at him, meet his worried eyes, and suddenly my nose stings, and I throw myself
36:50into his arms and cry.
36:52He is stunned for a moment, and holds me very, very tightly.
36:56It's okay.
36:57I'm here.
36:59I cry for a long time, wiping my tears on his black shirt.
37:03He crooks his knuckle and wipes my tears away, bit by bit.
37:07Colin says someone gave him the drug.
37:10He was told that once you drank it, you'd be completely devoted to him.
37:16His voice is cold, utterly without warmth.
37:20I told him, you couldn't even drink.
37:23Take one drink for him without hesitating.
37:25So what makes you think you can protect him?
37:30He'll be hearing from my lawyers.
37:33I sniffle.
37:35Dante, I need to tell you something.
37:38I tell him everything about Selena's envelope and the story of those three hours, word for
37:44word.
37:44When I finish, the room is so quiet, I can hear the wind outside the window.
37:49He doesn't speak for a long time.
37:56Enzo found the man who followed Nara this morning.
37:59He's left the state.
38:00He'll never come within a hundred miles of her again.
38:05Dante, aren't you angry?
38:09I'm the one who stole her face.
38:14It's your money that-
38:15I'm angry.
38:18At the man who stalked her.
38:20And at myself.
38:22Lowers his head and rests his forehead against mine.
38:25But I'm not letting you go over this.
38:29Tomorrow, we'll go see Nara together.
38:31You'll tell her the truth yourself.
38:33And I'll be right there.
38:35With you.
38:37I look at this man who kept watch over me in the dark all night.
38:40In the morning light, his jawline is clean and sharp.
38:43And the way he looks at me is overbearing tenderness.
38:46In some corner of my heart, a block of ice is quietly melting.
38:51Dante, I think I understand now.
38:54I may not have just started liking you.
38:56His breath catches.
38:59I think I've liked you for a long time.
39:02I just didn't dare admit it.
39:03His eyes redden.
39:05And after a long moment, he laughs hoarsely.
39:09I told you I was gambling.
39:12Fall.
39:13Betting that one day, you'd fall in love with me.
39:18His phone rings.
39:20Miss Nora agreed to meet.
39:23Time takes in sick clarity.
39:25Tomorrow at three, the blue door.
39:27The blue door?
39:32Serena arranged it.
39:33She says it's the least she can do.
39:38In the corner of blue door, a black-haired girl sits beside Selina, holding a cup of untouched tea.
39:45She looks up, and that face is identical to the one in the photo I stole.
39:50Only the eyes are heavier.
39:55Miss Whitlock, this is Julian Hart.
39:57I stand in front of the table, my throat tight.
40:00Nora, I'm so sorry.
40:02Three years ago, stole.
40:04I stole your photo and said it was me.
40:07I thought it was just a lie.
40:10I never imagined someone would find you.
40:14She is silent for a long time.
40:16Serena said you'd be scared.
40:19I am.
40:23I used to hate Ivy.
40:25I really did.
40:26I know.
40:27But those men are the ones who were wrong.
40:30Not you.
40:32You stole my face, and that was wrong of you.
40:38But fuck.
40:49You're following me home?
40:51That was on them.
40:55Her voice trembles, yet every word is clear.
40:58Thank you for coming to tell me in person.
41:02Most people wouldn't even do that.
41:04My tears fall.
41:06Selina turns her face away and wipes the corner of her eye.
41:09Nora, I owe you an apology.
41:12I thought that hiding everything was protecting you.
41:16You've protected me plenty of times, Serena.
41:20Walking out of the cafe, Dante takes my hand.
41:23Now it's my mother's turn.
41:27At the Sunday dinner table, Lucia brings out dish after dish of steaming pasta.
41:33No one picks up a fork.
41:35Go on.
41:37Each of you looks guiltier than the other.
41:43Ma.
41:44Julian is my partner.
41:46I know.
41:50Mom?
41:54That day in the store, he was wearing that black dress, and I looked at him, and then
42:01I looked at the text my son sent me the night before.
42:05Ma.
42:06I need your help protecting someone.
42:09My son has never asked me for anything in his life.
42:12She looks at me, her eyes red.
42:16Julian, all I ever wanted to know was whether he liked women.
42:21Now I know.
42:22He likes you.
42:24Mrs. Marchetti?
42:26Call me Lucia.
42:28You've had the coffee, my son, brewed after staying up all night for you.
42:35If I don't take you in, who would I?
42:38My tears fall onto my plate.
42:39Bianca eats her pasta while wiping her eyes.
42:42Told you the whole family.
42:44Would love you.
42:46I'll apologize to Serena in person.
42:49And Julian, at the next gala, you're wearing that emerald dress.
42:54Really?
42:55My son bought out an entire store.
42:57If you don't wear it, that's a waste.
43:02A year later, in the same old hotel, the same banquet hall, under the crystal chandelier,
43:08I wear a deep red silk gown.
43:10Selina also styled a wig for me.
43:13Designed by Selina herself, every inch cut for me.
43:17Turn around.
43:18Let me see.
43:21You really don't mind?
43:22I used to.
43:24Now all I mind is that.
43:27Turn.
43:27Your shoulder line isn't perfect.
43:29Turn.
43:31The white-haired old man slowly walks over.
43:34I instinctively tense my back.
43:36He looks at me for a long moment, and dips his head slightly.
43:41Mr. Hart, good evening.
43:45I'm stunned.
43:46Dante stands behind me, his hand steady on my waist.
43:49I told you.
43:50If anyone had something to say, they could say it to me.
43:54Lucia approaches with a glass raised, beaming with pride at the whole hall of guests.
43:59Everyone, this is Julian, my son's partner, and my other son.
44:05The whole hall applauds.
44:06I blush, not knowing where to look.
44:09Dante leans down and speaks softly in my ear, his breath warm against it.
44:14When we get home, I want to ask you something.
44:16I want to ask you something.
44:19What?
44:21You know.
44:28Late at night, beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the lights of Manhattan glitter.
44:34Dante lifts me up and presses me against the glass, kissing my lower lip, and asks in a low voice
44:40at my ear.
44:40Tell me, baby, am I your dog?
44:43My face burns, and I hum and squirm, refusing to speak.
44:47He gives a low laugh and kisses me more deeply, insisting I say it.
44:51Dante is Julian's dog.
44:55I love you so much.
44:59Amid the rising and falling, the phone on the nightstand buzzes at the worst moment.
45:04Bianca's message is popping up one after another.
45:07Since you're my other brother now, I'll give you a little spoiler.
45:11Mom's been telling everyone at church she's gained a son.
45:17Serena asked me to tell you that at the next gala, she's going to design you a dress that will
45:20leave the entire room speechless.
45:22I think you might be the only person in the world who never has to worry about a mother-in
45:26-law, because our whole family just loves you that much.