ONCE HIS WORLD...
Episode # 1
Lana has just moved back home after struggling to afford rent while juggling temporary jobs.
Now she's sharing a small apartment again with her younger brother, Lauv, and their mother Anna.
It's only been a few days, but the chaos is already back.
The apartment was small, old and kind of cramped–but it was home again. Lana had only moved back three days ago after running out of money and luck in the city.
Temporary jobs didn't cover rent, and ramen noodles had started to taste like cardboard.
So now, she was back in the tiny apartment she grew up in sleeping in her childhood room.
In the kitchen, Anna was pouring cereal with way too much noise.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Hey, Lauv!
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Is your sister awake yet?
Lauv poked his head out of his room, eyes still half-shut.
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
Dunno. Let me see.
He shuffled across the hallway and cracked open Lana's door. She was curled up in bed, snoring softly, looking like a mess.
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
Gotcha.
With a wicked grin, Lauv took a deep breath, ready to shout to their mother that she's still sleeping.
But WHAM! A pillow came flying across the room and smacked him straight in the face.
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
GAH!
He yelled, stumbling back.
Lana popped up from under blanket like a ninja.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
Ha! Thought you could catch me sleeping? Rookie mistake!
She leapt off the bed and dashes for the bathroom.
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
YOU SNEAK!
Lauv yelled, chasing her.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
I have fast reflexes now.
Lana shouted, already halfway down the hall.
She slammed the bathroom door shut just as he reached it. Locked.
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
No, no, no! Lana!
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
I have school! I need the bathroom!
Lana Johnson ( FL)
Then you should've thought if that before trying to snitch on me.
she said through the door, laughing.
Lauv Johnson (FL's brother)
I'm sorry.
Anna called out from the kitchen.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
You both need to stop chasing each like Tom and Jerry, time isn't on our side.
Dimitri was driving through busy, one hand on the wheel.
Suddenly, his phone rang. It connected to the car's Bluetooth, and his sister's name lit up on the screen.
Anika's voice came through the speakers.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 Brother... bring me something sweet.
Dimitri rolled his eyes but smiled.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱 something sweet? Didn't Mom say no sweets for you?
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 she always says that.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 But I've been craving something all morning. Just a little treat. Pleaseee?
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱 You always say that. then two hours later you're holding your face like the world is ending.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 I promise this is the last one. The last sweet I'll ever ask for.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱 uh-huh. That's what you said last week when I bought you that cupcake.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 that cupcake was tiny. Barely even counted.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱 what do you even want?
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 ice cream. Or chocolate. Or a donut. Surprise me!
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱so basically, anything that's sugar and fits in your mouth.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 Exactly!
Anika said, sounding way too happy for someone who just begged for sugar like it was treasure.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱 Alright, Alright. I'll grab something on my way.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 You're the best! I'll even save you one bite.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱 Don't lie.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞okay, I'll think about saving you one bite.
Dimitri shook his head, turning into a parking spot.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
📱one day your teeth are gonna sue you.
Anika Vegas (ML's sister)
📞 let them. Life's short. Gotta enjoy dessert.
The call ended with her humming happily.
Dimitri smiled to himself and stepped out of the car.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Drama queen.
He muttered, walking toward the ice cream parlor.
Dimitri stood outside the ice cream parlor, hands on his hips.
A big CLOSED sign hung on the door.
He leaned forward, peeking through the glass.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Seriously? Middle of the day?
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
These people need to pick a side. Open or not. No mystery hours. They need to quit business.
Just then, a girl squealed.
girl ¹
It's him! It's Mr Vegas!
Dimitri turned, confused.
Two girls ran toward him, pulling out their phones.
girl ²
Can we get a photo? Please?
Before he could answer, one was already posing beside him.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Uh...sure?
girl ³
Me too! I downloaded your app! Follow your page!
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Right... thanks.
Dimitri said, gently trying to make space.
More people started crowding around.
And then–a cab pulled up. Land stepped out with her mom.
her mom blinked at the crowd.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
What on earth–? Did someone break in last night?
Lana Johnson ( FL)
I'll check.
Lana said quickly, already moving through the people.
She squeezed past fans, muttering.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
Excuse me.
A dozen times, until she reached the front of the parlor–
There, right in front of her, stood Dimitri.
Trying to calm the crowed. Looking confused. Taller, handsome than she remembered.
He looked up–and saw her.
Their eyes locked. The noise around them seemed to fade.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
Dimitri.
She whispered to herself.
She hadn't known. Had no idea why people are asking for photos of him.
Lana's mom called from behind her.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Well? Is someone robbing us or what?
Lana didn't answer. She just kept staring, her mind a mess. And Dimitri couldn't look away.
𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻
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Episode # 2
Lana's mom finally reached the front of the crowd. She stared hard. When she saw Dimitri, then her jaw dropped.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Dimitri?
Dimitri was shocked to see her too, muttered under his breath.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Mrs Johnson?
Before she could say more, a voice came shouting from behind.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
Hey! Lana! What's going?
Indie shouted, squeezing through the crowd.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
Did you post something? Is there, like a secret flavor today?
She reached the front, still talking and then froze.
her mouth dropped open. When she saw Dimitri too.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
Wait... is that Dimitri?
Lana said nothing. Just stared. Indie turned slowly to Lana.
Dimitri looked around at the crowed, trying to keep his cool. People were still shouting, asking for selfies, filming.
Dimitri suddenly lifted both hands. His voice turned sharp, clear.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Alright! Everyone, calm. Please.
The crowed quieted a little.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
I appreciate the love. Really. It means a lot.
He took a breath, his face serious now.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
so here's what we're gonna do. I'll buy everyone here ice cream...and after that. I'm gone. Deal?
A cheer went up from the crowd.
"YES!"
"FREE ICE CREAM!*
"MR. VEGAS FOREVER!"
Lana, her mom, and Indie just stood there, stunned.
Dimitri turned, scanning the storefront.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
Who's the owner of this place?
Lana's Mom raised a hand, smiling.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
That'd be me, Dimitri.
Dimitri gave her a serious look.
Dimitri Vegas (ML)
It's Mr. Vegas, ma'am. Please open the store.
He didn't smile. Didn't blink. Lana's mom didn't say anything. She just looked at him at a second. Lana stood there, shocked by his tone.
Lana's mom then quietly reached into her purse, pulled out her keys, and unlocked the door.
The crowd cheered and began pouring into the shop. Lana stepped back, still frozen.
Dimitri turned away, not looking at her. Not even a glance.
The shop was quiet now. The crowd was gone. Even Dimitri had left.
Lana sat at one of the small tables, her apron still on, her hands resting in her lap.
Indie stood by the counter, staring at her phone.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
Okay.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
So... he's like Elon Musk or something. Seriously. He created that global social app, LinkDot. You know...the one with the green icon?
Lana didn't respond. She stared at the floor.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
He's not just rich, Lana.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
He's famous, famous. Like Forbes-cover, TED-talk, private jet famous.
Lana's mom walked in from the back, wiping her hands on a towel.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
It's because he acted smart. Not harder.
She said, with a bit of mocking tone.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
What's that supposed to mean?
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
You heard me.
Her mother said, tossing the towel on the counter.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
what's with the attitude all of a sudden?
Her mother crossed her arms.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Because of you stupidity, Lana.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
Wow. So now that he's rich, I'm the problem?
Her mother stepped forward.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
You think I forgot? You think I don't remember what your choices did to this family?
Lana stood up, her chair scraping.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
You still blame me for Dad's death?
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Yes.
Anna Johnson (FL& Lauv's mom)
Because of you, I lost my husband. You chose yourself over all of us. You walked away from a good man. A smart man. Miss 'i'll do it my own way. Miss hard work!"
Lana Johnson ( FL)
If you and dad loved Dimitri so much, maybe you both should've married him!
Her mother's face went cold.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
You don't know what I went through, waiting for him to change, man up.
Lana said, her voice rising.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
You didn't see what he was becoming. I was suffocating! I couldn't take it anymore, okay? I'm sorry I embarrassed you all. If I didn't play perfect daughter. But I did what I had to do.
She pulled off her apron and threw it to the floor.
Lana Johnson ( FL)
I need fresh air.
Lana stormed out the door, the bell jingling behind her. Indie looked between the door and Lana's mom.
Indie Khanna ( FL's bbf)
Okay...that escalated.
𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻
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Episode # 3
College hallway, Three Years Ago
Lana walked beside Dimitri, books in her arms. The hallway buzzed with noise. Students passed by, whispering and giggling.
why her? She's so pretty...and he's just...that guy.
Such a nerd. Does he even talk?
Lana heard them. So did Dimitri.
She reached out and took his hand. Firmly.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
Hey.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
Want to do something crazy?
Dimitri glanced at her, confused.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
What?
Lana Johnson (FL young)
Marry me.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
what?
Lana Johnson (FL young)
You heard me.
Dimitri stared, his eyes wide. Then he laughed nervously.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
You're joking.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
I'm not. I want to prove to the world I believe in you. In us.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
Okay.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
Yes.
Small church–One Month Later
It was a short, quiet ceremony. Just few people. Their parents. A pastor. No music, no flowers, just vows and rings.
They kissed. People clapped.
Their mothers smiled, a little unsure. Fathers smiled with hope.
Lana held Dimitri's hand tightly.
Their tiny apartment–Months Later
Life moves fast. Lana studied hard. She worked a part-time job at the library. She cooked. She cleaned.
Dimitri was always on his laptop–trading, betting, reading charts.
One night, she dropped her bag by the door, exhausted.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
Dimitri.
She said, her voice tired.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
Is this what you plan to do with your life? Just sit and... gamble?
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
It's not gambling.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
It's forex. I'm learning. I'm close.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
You always say that. And you always lose.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
You have to be patient.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
I am patient.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
But I'm running out of it. Please don't make me regret marrying you.
A Few Days Later – Late Evening
Lana walked past a small bar. She stopped.
Through the window, she saw him–Dimitri. Sitting with old men, gambling. Laughing. Betting.
She turned away, heart pounding.
Their Apartment–That Night
She found a "RENT DUE" notice stuck to the door.
Inside it was dark and cold
She used the last of her savings and paid the rent online. No food, no rest.
She sat on the bed. Silent.
Then she picked up her phone.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
📱Indie.
Indie Khanna (FL's bff young)
📲 let me guess. Dimitri again?
Lana Johnson (FL young)
📱 Yes. I don't know what to do.
Indie Khanna (FL's bff young)
📲 Divorce him.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
📱I can't. I love him.
Indie Khanna (FL's bff young)
📲 Lana...love isn't always enough. You're too young for this. You haven't even finished school. You don't have a stable job. Think about it.
Lana didn't answer. Just listened.
Days later– Another fight
Same story. No money. More gambling.
Lana stood at the door with a small suitcase.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
I want divorce.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
What? But I thought...I thought you wanted this life with me.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
I did.
Lana Johnson (FL young)
But not like this. You won't change. I can't do this anymore. I'm sorry.
The apartment was quiet. The lights went out–another unpaid bill.
He opened a drawer and pulled out a small box.
Inside, a single earring–the paid he bought her with the first paycheck from a part-time job he had just gotten...one she never knew about.
He held it in his hand, eyes full of tears.
Dimitri Vegas ( ML young)
Too late.
𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓻
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