Drama Info

  • Platform: GoodShort (Global)
  • Discovery lane: Trending / Top in GoodShort / Hot List
  • Heat signal: GoodShort 三榜混合 (Trending / Top / Hot List)
  • Genres: Mafia Romance, Revenge, Second Chance
  • Markets: Global
  • Studio: 新阅时代 (Xinyue) / INKNET PTE. LTD. (Singapore)
  • IMDb: [tt38839274](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38839274/) (2025, rated 7.8/10)
  • Launch date: 2025

Synopsis

Stella Hart was destroyed by the man she loved and his mistress, who conspired to ruin her life and reputation. Left with nothing, Stella picks herself up and rebuilds from the ashes. At a gala event, she shocks everyone by choosing Adrian Hawthorne -- the most feared mafia king in the city -- over the man who betrayed her. Adrian is ruthless, powerful, and fiercely protective of those he cares about. As Stella and Adrian's relationship deepens, she discovers that the mafia world offers the protection and loyalty she never received from her past life. Together, they face enemies from both the underworld and Stella's former life, proving that sometimes the most dangerous choice is also the right one.

Cast & Crew

  • Jayda Stephens as Stella Hart -- the woman who chooses the mafia king
  • Franky Cammarata as Adrian Hawthorne -- the feared mafia king
  • Joey Heyworth in supporting role
  • Grace Fouracre in supporting role
  • Suzan Nowaczynski in supporting role
  • Director: Fei Yu

Notable Scenes

  • Stella's destruction by her ex and his mistress, establishing the emotional depth of her betrayal.
  • The gala scene where Stella publicly chooses Adrian Hawthorne over her ex -- a pivotal power-shift moment.
  • Stella and Adrian's growing bond as she realizes the mafia king's world offers the loyalty she craved.

Reviews / Reception

  • IMDb rating: 7.8/10, strong reception for the mafia romance genre.
  • Promoted on Instagram with the caption: "This drama had me switching sides every episode. MAFIA MEN RUIN EVERYTHING."
  • NYC-based production, adding a distinct American urban setting different from typical Los Angeles-shot vertical dramas.
  • Reddit community (r/ShortDramas) discussion noted the title's discoverability challenges due to capitalization variants, but praised the content.
  • Audience signal: Addictive storyline with a compelling choosing the anti-hero arc.

Sources

  • GoodShort official page: https://www.goodshort.com/drama/this-time-i-choose-mr-mafia-31001165456
  • IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38839274/
  • IMDb full credits: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38839274/fullcredits/
  • Instagram promotional post with cast info
  • Reddit r/ShortDramas discussion