Episode 9

Ellen ascended to the bedroom with Bianca, guiding her to a much-needed bath after being covered in cake. Bianca couldn't contain herself and wept profoundly in Ellen's embrace. Ellen comforted her with tender affection as though she were her own child, especially since Bianca couldn't hug her mother, who was isolated by Otavio's choice within the mafia until her sister Laura was found—such were the mafia's rules. After venting and cleansing her soul in the shower, Ellen selected some comfortable clothes for Bianca, allowing her to rest in bed, then proceeded to her own room for a bath.

Sometime later, Otavio entered the bedroom, prompting Bianca to bolt upright, seated on the bed.

"What do you want here, Otavio?"

"Such boldness, Bianca. We have a matter to settle."

"I'm not going anywhere with you."

Otavio's face soured at Bianca's defiance as he grabbed her arm, pulling her along despite her struggles. He led her to a remote warehouse on his estate. Inside, John and some of Otavio's men were wagering on whether or not Bianca would kill Joyce, amused by her spirited demeanor.

Upon arrival, fear gripped Bianca. Distrusting Otavio, she dreaded he might kill her. She tried to break free, but Otavio's grip was unyielding. All she could hear were Joyce's screams.

"Otavio, what's happening? Where are we?"

"Bianca, we're in a warehouse. Before you is the woman who pushed you down and humiliated you earlier. Her fate is in your hands."

"No... I won't do anything to her... I'm not like that, Otavio. I don't want revenge, nor do I want blood on my hands. Let her go in peace."

John faced his jeering colleagues, vexed by his lost bet. Otavio, however, admired Bianca's kind heart against the shame she endured. Resolving to comply with her wish, he decided against harming Joyce.

"YOU WRETCH, I'LL RUIN YOU!" Joyce hollered, full of rage towards Bianca. Otavio glanced at John and ordered for 40 lashes to Joyce's back before leaving her in the street in her undergarments, to experience humiliation.

Outside the warehouse, Bianca addressed Otavio: "Don, that was unnecessary, she was just upset, maybe…"

Before Bianca could finish, Otavio firmly held her face and stated, "Learn one thing, Bianca, I don't do kind, and no one ill-treats mine without consequence."

"I don't belong to you, Otavio, and I never will."

Otavio's smirk hinted at sarcasm for her defiance. His protective instinct over Bianca birthed a sense of possession; in his mind, she already belonged to him—she just didn't know it yet. He escorted her back to the mansion to change for her father's farewell.

"Put on something dark; we're going to your father's funeral. I would've invited everyone, but after your ordeal, I presume you'd rather keep those scoundrels away."

"I... well, thank you for letting me say goodbye to my dad, but can you help me? My closet used to be color-coordinated; I knew where everything was. Here, I haven't memorized anything."

Otavio picked a black dress from the closet for her. Using the wall as a guide, Bianca navigated to the bathroom to change. Once ready, they left for the private cemetery, where Ellen awaited in the car. At the cemetery, Bianca's mother embraced her. They held each other until Otavio beckoned them for the burial.

The funeral was brief, the sound of weeping from Bianca and her mother filling the air as they mourned the man who loved them wholeheartedly. From afar, Otavio, Ellen, and John observed, respectful of their sorrow. Bianca left a rose on her father's grave. Rain began to wash away her tears of grief.

"There's so much I wanted to say, daddy. You wished only the best for us. I love you, you were a wonderful father. I wish to see your smile once more, to feel your embrace, to hear your voice. But now, I'm alone without you. I promise to look after mom, and if she ever returns, I'll try to make her see reason. I will be strong and always love you."

As the rain intensified, Otavio called for her. Torn by the affectionate gesture she longed to give back, Bianca bid a painful farewell to her mother, and left with Otavio, who struggled with the desire to embrace and comfort Bianca but chose to maintain silence.