【FULL】 He Left Me at the Altar 6 Times—So I Married the Mafia Godfather!

The digital clock at city hall [music] jumped to 4:50 p.m. Only 10 minutes remained before the marriage [music] registration window closed. I stood in the lobby clutching the ticket for our sixth appointment with a death grip. Just moments ago, my [music] fiance of 6 years, Ethan Perkins, called me. >> Lily Davis forgot the engagement [music] cake she made by hand.

 I’m taking her back to get it. Just wait a little longer. >> His tone [music] was matterof fact, if his request was perfectly reasonable. I looked [music] at the provocative photo Lily had sent me, and I finally laughed. If he doesn’t want a married, then fine. [music] I’ll just find myself a different groom.

 The digital clock at city hall jumped [music] to 4:50 p.m. Clutching the ticket for our sixth marriage ratan attempt. I stood in the lobby. The [music] electronic clock on the wall glowed a piercing red. Only 10 minutes left until closing. Ethan’s call came through, his voice carrying an air of [music] casual entitlements. >> Elena, just wait a little longer.

 Lily forgot the cake she made. She’s on the verge of tears and insists on going back for it. I’m going [music] with her. I’ll be there soon. >> Hearing those words, my heart felt like it was plummet into an abyss. Ethan, [music] the window closes at 5. He sounded annoyed. >> It’s not like we [music] can’t do it another day.

 What’s the rush? >> I listened to his self-righteous interrogation. My fingertips wouldn’t stop trembling. The paper ticket was mangled in my hand, [music] its edges soaked with cold sweat. She can’t move past it. Ethan, did you ever stop to think if I could move past this? [music] This is our sixth time making an appointment to get licensed.

 And of the previous five times, did even one actually happened? There was a momentary silence on the other [music] eyed. Ethan’s voice grew colder, carrying a sharp edge of warning. >> Elena Gilder, are you really going to bring up the past [music] again? I’ve already explained it to you. Those previous times were all unforeseen emergencies.

 Why do you have to be so obsessive about it? >> I took a deep breath. I [music] forced back the tears that were threatening to spill over. Emergencies. Every time Ethan was supposed to get licensed, he stood me up because Lily had some crisis. The first time I was in my wedding dress waiting [music] at the chapel.

 Lily suddenly came down with a fever and Ethan abandoned a room full of guests [music] to be with her at the hospital. The second time I was at the registry office with my passport in hand. Lily said she was moving and couldn’t handle it alone. Ethan told [music] me to reschedule for another day. The third time, Lily lost her passport on the street.

 Ethan spent the day at the Andressy with her and hung up on all my calls. The [music] fourth time, Lily called in the middle of the night crying because she was afraid of thunder. Ethan drove through the night to her apartment. The fifth time, [music] Lily said she craved a strawberry cake that only Ethan could buy for her.

[music] Ethan turned his car around on the way to pick me up and went to the bakery instead. Today is the sixth time. I watched [music] the last couple in the lobby walk up to the window. The clerks smiled and hand them their stamp certificate. They looked at each other and [music] shared a tight embrace.

 Warm applause rippled through the room and there I stood absolutely alone amidst the cold, sterile tiles. A complete and outl drawing sympathetic glances from every passerby. [music] Ethan, my voice was eerily calm, surprising even myself. I’m asking you one last time. Are you coming or or not before 5:00 today? If you show up today, [music] our engagement is over.

 You and I are done for good. >> Done. [music] Elena Giver, stop trying to threaten me with a burkup. How many times have you pulled this stunt? Is this the only trick you know? Listen to me. Quit being so immature. Lily just [music] wants me to help with the cake. It won’t take long. Get licensed or don’t. I don’t care.

 I’m not falling for your drama today. >> With that, he hung up without a second thought. The cold, rhythmic dub of the dials [music] was all that remained. It sounded like a funeral now for a six-year relationship that had finally reached its end. I slowly lowered my phone, feeling as [music] though the strength had been drained from my body.

Suddenly, my screen lit up. A new message. Sender Lily Davis. Expressionless. I tapped the notification. Lily had sent a photo, an exquisite strawberry cake with a caption below. So sorry, Ethan said he needs to be with me [music] today. I’m sure you’ll have another chance to get registered later.

 I stared at those words and suddenly [music] started laughing. She used to say, I didn’t mean it. It was just bad luck or don’t [music] get the wrong idea. This time, she didn’t even bother to pretend. I looked at that glaring photo and suddenly those six years [music] didn’t just feel pathetic. They felt revoling. I locked my phone and tossed it into my handbag.

 [music] I looked down at the mangled ticket in my hand, the sixth time. I refused to [music] waste another second on this man. I turned around, ready to walk out of city hall. A figure blocked my path. A man in a bespoke charcoal [music] black suit appeared before me. He looked at my slightly reened eyes and suddenly spoke. >> Didn’t you say [music] that if the sixth attempt failed, you might consider me? >> I froze in my tracks.

 [music] Alexander Sterling, are you serious? Alexander didn’t smile. He took a step forward, closing the distance between us. The [music] commanding era of a man born to lead instantly enveloped me. No one knew that this normally lowprofile [music] reserved man was actually the true godfather of the New York underworld with [music] influence that reached everywhere.

 He pulled out a thick manly envelope. Unwinding the string, he would drew a stack of demens. >> I never joke about marriage, identification, proof of single statuses, [music] financial disclosures, even a medical clearance. I brought it all. >> He held the officially staffed up to me. Elena, I’m here to marry you. >> As I stared at the documents, overwhelmed and lost, the heavy doors [music] of city hall were violently swung open.

>> Elena, >> I turned my head. Ethan was walking toward me, his face a mask of fury. Behind him, Lily carried an elegant wrapped tutor cake box, her eyes red and tear stained [music] as if she were the victim of some great injustice. Ethan stormed up to me. The first thing he saw was Alexander standing right next to me, [music] far too close for his liking.

His expression darkened instantly. He pointed a [music] finger at Alexander and demanded an explanation. >> Elena, what is the meaning of this? I only went back for a cake and was a few minutes late, so you just grabbed some random guy off the street to put on a show just to spine me. Have you lost your [music] damn mind? >> I look at the man before me.

 He suddenly seemed terrifyingly foreign to me. Ethan, not acting, and I’m not trying to spine you. Ethan let [music] out a cold laugh, his face filled with arrogant disdain. >> Finished? You think you can scare me with that? Elena, [music] when are you going to grow up? Do you have any idea that that Lily stayed up all night just to make this engagement cake for us? She even got blisters on her hands from the oven.

 [music] >> As he spoke, he grabbed Lily’s wrist and shoved her reened hand in my face. >> She came folk out of the goodness of her heart to deliver it. And you’re [music] throwing a tantrum and embarrassing her in public. >> Lily immediately stepped forward, leaning into Ethan’s shoulder. [music] She tugged at his sleeve, tears cascading down her cheeks.

 “Ethan, it’s [music] all my fault. I’m so forgetful. I shouldn’t have insisted on going back for the cake. If it weren’t for me, you two would probably be happily married by now.” She turned to [music] look at me, but deep in her eyes was a flash of provocative triumph. Elena, do you hate me? I swear I never meant any harm.

 I [music] just wanted to give you my best wishes and see you happy. Why do you have to force Ethan into such a devocative triumph? Hearing her words made my stomach turn of revulsion. I violently shoved away [music] Ethan’s handy to grab me. I took a sharp step forward, my eyes cutting like glass. Lily, cut the act.

 You know exactly what you’re doing. Stop trying to make me sick. [music] I turned back to Ethan. My gaze stripped of any former trace of compromise. [music] There were several other couples and staffers in the lobby. At this moment, every eye in the room’s on us. But [music] I didn’t care anymore. I was going to tear the veil off this far once and for all. I raised my voice.

 Then you say I’m being immature. The first time we had an appointment, she caught a fever. You didn’t dump me up on the side of road to play mad. [music] Then’s expression faltered a trashed out ignored him and continued pointing right at >> Elena. Shut up. Stop making [music] a scene. >> The second time I stood in this lobby for 4 hours. He told me she was moving.

Couldn’t lift the boxes. Could she not afford a $100 moving crew [music] or has she simply lost the use of her limbs? The crowd around us began to whisper. Someone even let out a scoffing laugh. The third time her passport was lost and you spent [music] the whole day at the station filing a report.

 The fourth time it thundered and she got scared. So you left me in the middle of the night to comfort her in [music] her bed. A collective gasp went through the room. Passers by started pointing at Ethan. >> Wow, what a total prick. Exactly. That’s no sister. >> Lily turned [music] pale. She backed away, waving her hands frantically.

 It’s not like that. Everyone, please don’t misunderstand. Elena, stop lying. Lying? The fifth time you should crave limited edition artisan cake [music] from lower Manhattan. You drove halfway across the city to wait in line for her while I waited here until closing time [music] without so much as a glimpse of you.

 And today makes six for a damn cake. You stood me up again. Ethan, tell me what kind of sister needs you on call 24 hours a day? What decent person ins on a man’s [music] company for a cake when he’s supposed to be getting married? >> Look has abandonment issues. I groo after her like a sister. Fun with that. Just narrow-minded and obsessed with things.

>> Apologize. [music] >> Elena, I am ordering you to apologize to Lily right now. Then come and sign the papers and I’ll pretend beyond help. Lily has abandonment issues. I look after her like a sister. What’s wrong with that? [music] You’re just narrow-minded and obsessed with thinking the worst. >> Ethan looked miserable.

 He grid his teeth, [music] still trying to deflect. >> Elena, I am ordering you to apologize to Lily right now. Then come and sign the papers and I’ll [music] pretend this never happened. >> Apologize? [music] I looked at his arrogant face and felt utterly repulsed. He was beyond [music] help.

 Seeing the tide turn, Lily suddenly clutched her chest. She rolled her eyes back and slumply into Ethan’s arms. Ethan, my chest feels tight. [music] I can’t breathe. Did I make Elena angry again? Maybe I should just leave. I don’t want to be the reason you two break up. Ethan pulled her [music] into a tight embrace. His eyes welled with concern, as if Lily had suffered a mortal wound.

 [music] He glared at me as if I were the one committing an unforgivable sin. >> Elena, if you keep acting out like this, [music] don’t blame me for what happens next. 2 minutes until the system locks for the day. Right then, the clerk at the registration window tapped on the glass with a pen. >> You hear that? [music] Get over here and sign the papers. We’ll move past this.

If we miss a day, we’ll do it [music] next time. I promised I’d marry you, didn’t I? >> Hearing the clerk’s prompt, Ethan let out a cold snirt. He licked his chin arrogantly. [music] I turned my back on him and without hesitation grabbed Alexander’s arm. I looked into his bottomless eyes, [music] my voice steady and resolute.

 Alexander, is the paperwork in order? Let’s get married. >> Of course [music] it is. Let’s go, Mrs. Sterling. >> A flash of deep intensity [music] crossed Alexander’s eyes. He enveloped my hand firmly in his palm. He led me [music] toward the registration window. Ethan watched, stunned, as I walked toward toward the window.

 Alexander, the expression [music] on his face froze. He had convinced himself I was just using Alexander as a decoy. Thinking I [music] was only trying to force him to cave, Alexander and I slipped the stack of documents onto the counter. That was when the gravity of the situ hit Ethan. He spiraled to a complete panic.

 He shoved Lily aside [music] and launched toward us like a madman. >> Stop right now. Take those papers back. Do you hear me? You think marriage is a game? You’re going to sign with some random guy who appeared out of nowhere? >> Yes, [music] all the information is correct. I wish to register the marriage. Didn’t look back.

 [music] I simply continued answering the clerk’s verification questions calmly. >> Elena, I know you’re just angry. [music] I admit I didn’t think things through today. I’m apologizing. Oh, take the papers back. >> Ethan’s voice cracked in desperation. He suppressed his rage, trying to revert to his old tip of [music] tone. >> If we miss it today, we’ll be here first thing tomorrow.

 I swear I won’t be late tomorrow. I will marry you. >> I found there [music] is no tomorrow. If the documents are in order, please enter them into the system immediately. Tomorrow? In these six [music] years, how many tomorrows and next times had I heard? Every single next time [music] was just another concession for Lily. The clerk’s fingers flew across the keyboard.

>> Entering the data now moment. >> Watching this, [music] Ethan lost every shred of sanity. He let out a roar like a wounded beast. >> Elena, don’t you [screaming] dare. >> He lunged forward [music] with both hands, trying to grab my shoulder and tear me away from the counter. Before Ethan’s hand could even graze my wrist.

A tall, imposing figure stepped directly [music] in his path. Alexander moved with lightning speed, catching Ethan’s wrist in a crushing grip. A sickening [music] crack echoed through the room. Ethan let out a blood curting scream. His face went ghostly white. His features contorted in pure agony. Alexander down at him unimpressed.

[music] His eyes were as still as frozen lake. >> She is my wife and I may regret ever standing so >> slowly, but his words carried the absolute authority of a man used to being obeyed. Ethan was [music] trembling with pain, his legs shaking beneath him. He struggled desperately to pull his hand away, but he couldn’t budge as Alex’s iron grip even an inch.

[music] Alexander released him with cold indifference. Ethan lost his balance and stumbled back several steps before finding his footing. In front of you think you are humiliated by a total [music] stranger. >> His humiliation quickly turned to mindless rage. He looked Alexander up and down, taking in the [music] seemingly plain black suit with no obvious logos.

 His eyes were filled with smug. >> “Do you know the power the Pierce [music] family holds in the city? Some nuvo nobody? What right do you have to tell me anything?” Lily saw her opening and quickly [music] chimed in. “Sir, you’ve really misunderstood the situation. Elena is just acting on impulse. Don’t let her use you. The Pierce family’s [music] influence is not something a commoner like you can afford to provoke.

” I let [music] out a sharp laugh from behind Alexander. With ruins [music] staring them in the face, they were still trying to flare fetic pedigree. Alexander ignored their posturing. [music] He simpil his head slightly. His assistant, staying a few pace away, gave a respectful non-drew a specialized black [music] phone from pocket.

 He dialed a number into protocol. >> Blacklist all pierced group overseas projects immediately cut them off completely. >> Without a single wasted word, he delivered a brief lethal command. [music] With that, he hung up and stepped back into the shadows as if he were never there. >> What is this, a movie? You think you’re [music] some big shot CEO? >> Ethan watched this, stunned for a second.

 Then he erupted into a fit of hysterical [music] laughter. >> You’re going to blacklist the Pierce Group? Let me tell you something. The Pierce family has multi-billion dollar deals on the table right now. Our partners are the world’s top financial institutions. You think [music] one phone call can stop that? >> Lily covered her mouth, her eyes glinting with mockery.

 However, before Ethan’s laughter could even die down, the phone in his pocket began to vibrate violently. Ethan [music] stopped laughing at his phone. Seeing the caller ID, his expression shifted. It was his father, the chairman [music] of group, Richard Pierce. >> Dad, what’s up? I’m with Elena. >> You idiot.

 You absolute Jew of throat to offend an answer. [music] >> Before he could finish the sentence, Richard wore blast from the speaker. >> Shut your mouth. Just now, our three biggest digital international had on the table. They’re even paying the massive [music] terminate fees just to get a clom from us. Ark only. Not only that, our credit lines have been frozen by overseas conglomerates.

 [music] Our stocks in a free fly. We’re going to be delashed by the end of the hour. Do you want to destroy this entire family, Dad? >> Every drop of [music] blood drained from Ethan’s face. His eyes widened, his lips trembling [music] so hard he couldn’t form a word. >> Impossible, my ass. They named you specifically.

 They [music] said you provoked someone who is absolutely untouchable. You will apologize right now. [music] >> Richard coughed violently over the phone, sounding as if he might have a stroke. >> Get on your knees and beg for forgiveness. >> The line [music] went dead. Clatter. The phone slipped from Ethan’s nerveless fingers.

 His legs gave out and he collapsed onto the floor. Cold sweat dramped him, his eyes [music] filled with sheer terror. He slowly turned his head to look at the man he had been mocking just seconds ago. Alexander remained expressionless. [music] He casually adjusted his perfectly smooth cuff and took my hand, looking down at the pathetic heap that was Ethan.

 His voice was low and lethal. >> I told you I would make [music] you regret standing here. Ignoring the broken man on the floor, Alexander led me away. [music] 8:00 p.m. An exclusive private gala downtown. [music] I was on Alexander’s arm just picking up a glass of champagne. The ballroom doors were suddenly kicked open.

 [music] Ethan Lily forced their way in. His face was pale, his right wrist encased in a thick plaster cast. He locked [music] on to me in the crowd and stormed over. Elena, have you had enough of this little game? If you go and get a [music] divorce from this nobi right now, I might consider forgiving your reckless [music] behavior today.

He stood before me, pointing his [music] good hand at my face. Ethan, I’ll say it one more time. [music] I am married. You and I were over a long time ago. I looked at his face. I couldn’t believe that even now [music] he was still this delusional. Several of Ethan’s [music] trust fund friends crowded around us.

 Kevin Clark, the loudest of the bunch, spoke up with a sneer. Come on, Elena. You’re in the wrong here. So [music] Ethan’s a few minutes late. Big deal. Is all this drama really necessary? Exactly. [music] You’re being so petty. Marrying someone else just for revenge. Just revenge. Just [music] apologize and go home with Ethan.

>> Jason Miller chummed in as well. Elena, I know you’re mad at me. [music] Everything is my fault. You can hit me or yell at me. I don’t care, but please don’t throw your life away just to get back at Ethan. Lily cowered behind [music] Ethan. Her eyes were red as she tugged at his coat.

 Her voice was timid, but loud enough for the whole room to hear. And [music] you and this gentleman seem awfully familiar. You had all those complex documents ready to go at city hall. Who carries full financial disclosures just to wait [music] in line? Lena, had you been? She paused, her eyes slitting between Alexander and me.

 She trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air for the crowd to feast on. >> “Elena, [music] no wonder you were so desperate to get me there by 5. You’ve been sleeping with this guy behind my back the whole time. You shameless [music] bitch.” >> The guests began to whisper. Rumors rippled through the ballroom like wildfire.

 [music] Ethan’s eyes gleamed with malice and triumph. Alexander took a half step forward. [music] His eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a boneilling coldness. [music] >> “Do you want to lose the other hand, too?” Ethan flinched, instinctively cluting his cast, but he glanced at the crowd and felt his ego bruising.

>> “Don’t you threaten me. >> I checked you out. You’re just some failed businessman [music] running a shell company. My father has already used his connections to stop your blacklist. You think you can [music] intimidate the Pierce family?” >> He puffed out his chest and shouted with false bravado, “Elena, don’t let him trick you.

 If you come back now, he’s still willing to marry you.” [music] Lily added fuel to the fire. I watched their nauseating performance. Strangely, the rage in my [music] chest cooled into a calm, sharp clarity. I stepped out from behind Alexander. A cold, razor-sharp [music] smile touched my lips. “Ethan, I was going to let you keep a shred of Alexander, but since you’re so determined to be humiliated, I’ll be happy to oblige.

” I turned and walked toward the ballroom’s [music] central AV control. Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and plugged it directly [music] into the screen’s interfaith. Tonight, I’m going to strip these two down to their ugly truths in [music] front of everyone. The ballroom’s massive [music] LED screen flickered to life. I mirrored [music] a backup folder from my phone onto the display.

Every guest’s attention was instantly snared. I took the microphone, [music] my voice clear and cutting through the room. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to show you how my devoted fiance [music] actually treated me. This was our [music] first appointment to get licensed. Ethan abandoned me while I was in my wedding dress on the way to city house.

 His excuse, Lily had a fever and was all alone. I clicked at the first screenshot [music] and zoomed in on the timest. I swiped to Lily’s social media post from that exact day. In the photo, Ethan was wearing an apron tenderly feeding [music] Lily porridge. the caption, “So luck to be pampered even when I’m sick.

” A wave of murmurss broke out across the hall. Kevin and Jason [music] exchanged uneasy looks, their smarks fading. I let out a cold laugh and pulled up the next set. The second time, I waited in [music] the lobby for 2 hours. Ethan told me Lily was moving and desperately needed his help. The screen showed a photo [music] of Lily with a crew of muscular professional movers.

 And there was Ethan acting like a servant organize her shoe rack. Lily’s face turned ashen. Tell me, [music] Lily, you had four professional movers. Why did you need Ethan to be your personal [music] valet? No, it wasn’t like that. The movers didn’t know how to handle designer [music] shoes. I’m not finished. Why the rush? She shook her head frankly, trying to find words.

 I cut her off sharply, quickly [music] cycling through more evidence. The third time, Lily cried that she lost her passport and couldn’t travel. Ethan tossed our half-finish marriage app in the trash to go do garbage pans with her. [music] A screenshot of Lily’s Twitter popped on the big screen exactly during the time Ethan was dumpster diving.

 The photo [music] showed her passport. Perfect. Fine. A table at a luxury all along. She didn’t lose [music] anything. She was just playing him for a fool. Calling him away while she sits and has tea. How shameless. Loud [music] knocking laughter erupted in the ballroom. Ethan’s face went from pale [music] to a livid shade of purple.

 He whipped his head around to glare at Lily. >> You told me you spent the whole afternoon [music] searching. Couldn’t find it. >> Ethan, listen to me. I really didn’t find it until later. >> Lily was trembling, tears [music] brimming in her eyes. >> I didn’t give them a moment to breathe and kept the momenta going.

 The fourth time it was storming outside. Lily said she was [music] scared. Ethan left my house in the middle of the night to be with her. A surveillance clip [music] started playing. Late at night, Ethan was seen rushing into Lily’s luxury apartment. He didn’t [music] merge until noon the next day, looking dishempered.

 A man and a woman alone together all night. Ethan [music] isn’t after your sister. You’re just code sleeping in her bed. Ethan’s [music] friends were now deathly silent. Not one of them dared to speak up for him. I scrolled to the very last entry. The fifth time, [music] Lily claimed she needed an artisan cake from lower Manhattan Hender or her stomach would hurt.

 Ethan left me alone at city hall until the doors closed. The sixth time [music] today for some stupid cake Lily made. He stood me up for the sixth time. I [music] pulled up the profitative photo Lily me at city hall today. Lily’s half smile in the photos dripping with smug satisfaction. Elena, look at how much he cares [music] about me. I’m sure you’ll have other chance.

Don’t [music] de be mad. The text was the height of manipulation. Every bit of evidence, [music] every appointment log, every pathetic excuse, every one of Lily’s calculated [music] satches. It was all laid out chronologically, clear as day for everyone to see. The evidence [music] was undeniable. The ballroom filled with disdainful booze.

>> Disgusting. They [music] deserve each other. >> That girl is a total snake and the guy is such a clown. Thinking he’s being a hero [music] while he’s being played. Ethan stared at the screen, his entire body shaking. He tried to [music] argue, but he couldn’t even form a sentence. >> Elena, you you actually investigated me? This is an invasion of privacy.

>> Lily posted [music] all of this herself just to brag. You don’t even realize you’re just a [music] trophy to her. You’re pathetic. I looked him ice in my eyes. Turn it off. >> Lily’s [music] mask had finally shattered beyond repair. The sweet girl persona was gone. She broke down, clutching her face and screaming.

>> Elena, you’re just jealous. You’re jealous because [music] Ethan treats me better than you. >> I stepped forward and gripped her chin, forcing her to look me in the eye. of you. Why would [music] I be jealous of a fool who begs for scraps of trash I’ve thrown away? I shoved her [music] away and turned to Ethan.

See this, Ethan? This [music] is the sister you fought so hard for. The two of you are truly a match made [music] in hell. Alexander walked up behind me, pulled at arms, and pulled me to his arms. He looked up, his gaze sweeping across [music] the room, finally settling on Ethan. >> All the Pierce family’s offshore accounts and [music] gray ledgers from the last decade.

 Deliver them to the right people. >> Alexander [music] tilted his head slightly and spoke into his earpiece. His tone was casual, yet it carried the [music] weight of a death sense. >> Stop. Books are airtight. Tight. Who you think you are? Ethan heard [music] this and tried to muster one last sneer. >> “Did [music] you hurt your hand?” “Next time, let [music] me handle the trash.

” >> Alexand didn’t even acknowledge his shouting. He just [music] looked down at me, his eyes full of warmth. Barely [music] 5 minutes passed. The ballroom doors were slammed open once more. This time, Ethan’s father [music] burst in. His hair was a mess, his face ghost white [music] as he stumbled into the room.

 Ethan saw his father and acted as if he’d found a lifeline. He rushed over to meet him. >> Dad, thank God you’re here. Elena and this [music] nobody are trying to humiliate us. Call security and throw them out. >> Richard looked at Ethan’s face. >> You animal. [music] >> Without a word of hesitation, he [screaming] delivered a brutal kick to Ethan’s stomach.

The kick was [music] savage. Ethan let out a wretched scream and was sent sprawling across the floor. The room went deathly [music] silent. Richard didn’t even glance at his son. He scrambled [music] toward Alexander. His legs gave out and he hit the floor on his knees. >> Mr. Sterling, I failed to raise my son.

[music] I was blind. I beg of you. Show mercy. Spare the Pierce family. Richard’s voice [music] was thick with tears. His whole body was shaking like a leaf. >> The FBI is already radiating our headquarters. [music] Our lenders have called in every single debt. The Pierce group is gone. It’s over. >> He began to [music] slam his forehead against the floor.

 On the floor, Ethan froze, [music] the words hitting him like a physical blow. He stared up at Alexander, [music] wideeyed. Impossible. This can’t be. Who are you? [music] How could you dismantle a dynasty in 5 minutes? >> Alexander looked down at the father and son with utter contempt. >> In my city, [music] no one questions my reach.

The bankruptcy of the Pierce group is just the [music] interest on the debt you owe for touching my wife. >> Lily, standing to the side, was paralyzed with shock. The powerful Richard Pierce was on his knees [music] begging. The entire Pierce Empire had vanished in an instant. She finally realized she had provoked [music] a monster she could never hope to escape.

Richard, I have nothing to do with this. [music] It was all Ethan. He’s the one who insisted on being with me. >> Lily immediately flipped [music] her script. She backed away, shaking her head frantically, trying to distance herself. Hearing that, the [music] last dread of Ethan’s sanity snapped. He had lost everything for this woman.

 his future, his family, his legacy. [music] And now she was washing her hands of him. [gasps] Ethan lunged from [music] the floor and threw himself Lily. He grabbed her by the hair and delivered a vicious slap [music] to her face. >> “You bitch!” >> Lily’s lip bled and she clawed at Ethan’s face in return.

 We’re the one who was useless. Pathetic [music] loser. If you were actually a man, you could have saved your company. Why should I go down with you? >> Two of them, in [music] front of the entire elite of the city, tore into each other like rabid dogs, clawing and biting on the floor. Clothes were shredded, hair was ripped [music] out.

They had become the ultimate laughingtock. I watched the scene and strangely [music] I felt nothing. Nothing but the pure light feeling of liberation. I opened my [music] handbag. I pulled out an elegant Vel box. Inside was the engagement ring [music] Ethan’s mother had given me. Ethan.

 [music] I walked over and tossed the box onto the table near them. My voice was cold and final. I gave you [music] six chances. Every single time you chose someone else. [snorts] From [panting] now on, [music] you don’t even have the right to regret. I turned [music] my back on them and didn’t look look back once. Alexander [music] took my hand naturally, our fingers intertwined.

>> Allow me to officially [music] introduce her. >> He turned to face the silent crowd of the city’s most powerful people. [music] His voice was low, yet it carried an absolute undeniable power. >> This is Min [music] City. From this day forward, anyone who makes her unhappy makes me [music] unhappy. >> Not a single person dared to utter a word.

 [music] Everyone bowed their heads, parting like the sea to let us through. I walked on [music] Alexander’s arm through a corridor of our stuck gauges, leaving the suffocating [music] swamp of my past behind. [screaming] The doors slowly closed [music] behind us, cutting off the sound of Ethan’s desperate screams and Lily hysterical stalls.

The night air was [music] cool and crisp. Luxander Alazen took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. >> Mrs. Sterling, the night is still young. [music] Where would you like to go for our honeyman? >> I looked into his deep, captivating eyes and finally gave him my first real smile of the day. Anywhere.

 [music] As long as I never have to wait again. >> [music]