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16."The Don's Presence"
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2023-09-15 06:11:52Related chapters
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 17."Forbidden Attraction"
Andrew DeLucaOn that morning, after waking up, something different hung in the air. I could feel Emma's presence, her eyes on me while I slept. This wasn't something I was accustomed to; women had always been fleeting in my life, never eliciting anything more than passing interest. But with Emma, something was different. She was nice, too.After getting up and getting dressed, I observed Emma. She was sitting in the living room, gazing out at the sea, looking somewhat distracted. Her eyes lifted to meet mine, and there was a moment of tense silence."Emma," I began, "last night... were you watching me while I slept?" I arched an eyebrow.She blushed slightly, clearly caught off guard by my direct question. "I... I couldn't sleep, I wasn't watching you. I was worried about what happened at the restaurant."I approached her, my eyes fixed on hers. "I saw you, Emma. And somehow, I'm very observant too."She looked away, appearing
Last Updated : 2023-09-15My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 18."Under the Veil of Insecurity."
EmmaReturning from our honeymoon, my emotions were in turmoil. Andrew and I returned to our seaside mansion, and the tension between us was palpable. I was determined to maintain an emotional distance from Andrew, refusing to sleep in the same room as him. After all, this was just a marriage of convenience, right? But Andrew was not a man accustomed to hearing "no" from anyone, and his insistence, coupled with his impatience, made me reconsider.Everything reminded me of that attempted kidnapping, that bizarre man trying to take me. I knew I was in danger, but I had no choice, it was either that or I would die either way.The room we were assigned to was fit for royalty. The walls were adorned with silk and tapestries, and the bed was enormous and luxurious. But sleeping with a man I was attracted to and, at the same time, despised was a challenge I wasn't ready to face. After all, Andrew DeLuca was a mafioso, som
Last Updated : 2023-09-15My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 19. "Blood-Stained Reckoning"
Andrew DeLucaThe pain throbbed in my body as I tried to keep my mind clear. That night had been a nightmare, a bitter reminder of how my world could unravel in seconds.Flashback:It all started when I headed to the nightclub. It was something I did quite frequently, a temporary escape from the responsibilities and dangers of my world. That night, I chose the company of a woman I had been with a few times before. It wasn't anything serious, just a physical connection that helped me forget, at least temporarily, the woman who had ensnared me in her web."Lorenzo, come with me, buddy," I insisted that my consigliere join me at the club."I'm good, DeLuca," he replied, and I immediately grew suspicious.The Lorenzo I knew would never turn down a night at the club, no doubt about it. He must have been meeting some girl."You're in love, aren't you?" I grinned."No, I just don't want to go. Have fun. But what about you
Last Updated : 2023-09-15My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 20. "The Empire State view"
EmmaI spent the whole day at the mansion, lost in thought. Ever since I saved DeLuca's life, I couldn't get him out of my head. I saved his life while he destroyed mine. The contradiction haunted me.The night arrived, and the gentle breeze of the evening entered through the open windows, carrying the scent of the garden's flowers. The mansion was quiet, except for distant footsteps and the muffled voices of the staff.The idea of being trapped in that place was suffocating. I felt like a prisoner, with no means of communication with the outside world. DeLuca didn't trust me; he thought I could escape at any moment. But I wouldn't do that. I loved my father deeply, and I knew that if I fled, the first thing Andrew would do was kill him, and me too.What irritated me the most about DeLuca was that he challenged me, and made me question everything. One moment I hated him, the next I was donating my blood to save his damn life. It
Last Updated : 2023-09-16My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 21."Temptation"
Emma Continued... I woke up next to DeLuca in that luxurious suite, the morning sun's rays beginning to flood the room. Gazing at the Empire State Building view one last time, I felt a lump form in my throat. What had happened last night? How could I have surrendered myself like that? A wave of regret immediately washed over my heart; I knew and remembered every detail of what had happened yesterday evening. I had let myself be carried away by emotion and passion. I was confused, and at the same time, I felt a strange sensation within me. It had been my first time with a man; I wasn't the kind of girl who went to bed with the first guy. The street and life had taught me to defend myself and shout at them. I didn't have a mother, and my father needed to work, so I sold whatever I could on the street, and men catcalled me; it had created a trauma in me. And now... I had surrendered not only physically but emotionally to a criminal who had bought me. I quickly gathered my clothes, t
Last Updated : 2023-09-16My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 22. "Emma's Enigma"
AndrewThis girl had been playing with me. How could she give me a whole night of pleasure and then act this way in the morning, I couldn't understand. Normally, women would beg for me to stay the night with them, but the longer I stayed, the more I had already left. Why was it different with her? Emma had left me upset.After all that, she wouldn't leave my damn mind. I tried to focus on other tasks without success. Emma didn't leave the room, but things weren't the way she wanted, they were the way I wanted. She had to understand that rules were rules. I wasn't willing to be challenged like this.I was in my office, holding the pen tip skillfully, but I couldn't concentrate, my thoughts were scattered, thinking about that damn green-eyed ragazza.Suddenly, someone knocked on the door; it was my sister Isabella."What do you want, Ize?" I said seriously, rolling my eyes."Always so kind, aren't you, brother?" she said ironically. "I just came to ask if you've seen Emma; I went to the
Last Updated : 2023-09-21My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 23."Tension in the air"
EmmaEverything seemed worse. The immensity of feelings that hung over my mind.I had lost my virginity to the mobster who had forced me to marry him and threatened my father. My subconscious was filled with shame and fear of what would happen next.I knew DeLuca didn't like me, he was probably incapable of feeling anything for anyone. But I gave in because at that moment it felt right.But it wasn't.Lying in bed, immersed in my thoughts, I hadn't even been out for breakfast. My stomach rumbled with hunger, but I didn't want to face it, at least not today or now.I heard a knock on the door and I kept myself slightly alert, thinking it was him coming into the room. We were supposed to sleep in the same room, but DeLuca didn't sleep in the bed either day."Emma?" I could hear Ize's soft voice behind the door and I was relieved.I tried to keep my composure to get outand she wouldn't notice how awful I looked.I approached the door slowly and unlocked the lock."Hi Ize? Did something
Last Updated : 2023-09-22My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 24."The Don and the Guest"
Andrew DeLuca."Come on, girl, shake it," I said as I danced with a random girl.I was trying to be with her to forget about Emma. But damn it, that woman wouldn't leave my mind. I was so angry about it, really angry, and I wanted to do anything to forget her. I swore I would."Aren't you staying?" she asked as she approached me on the bed."No. I've got other things to do," I said as I removed the condom.I could only feel Emma, skin on skin, only her.But I wasn't in love. Feelings weren't for guys like me; love was something we created in our minds, that's all. Love was futile and only held people back; that was so clear.And I didn't want to be weak. Emma was right; the night with her was a pure mistake. I couldn't mix lust and business; the important thing was that my plan to marry by contract was working. Just that.I left the girl in bed and quickly left the hotel, putting on my sunglasses and getting into the car. I felt like driving; just feeling the fresh breeze on my face w
Last Updated : 2023-09-27
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My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. Epilogue
EmmaIt never even crossed my mind that my life would be the way it is now. Everything seemed so lost, so far away, until a certain mobster brought me to an unknown mansion. Andrew had changed from being that closed man who was cold and calculating. He was different now, more open, more affectionate.Five years flew by as if they were just a breath of time. Life has unfolded into countless possibilities since we ventured into a new chapter. The frenetic routine of a hospital became my world, where every day was a constant learning experience, every patient a story to be cared for. Today was my graduation, a day I never imagined I would be witnessing.It wasn't easy, I studied so much that my hands hurt.“Honey, have you seen my underpants? I can't find them,” Andrew says.“If you look in the closet instead of the sock drawer, I bet you'll find them,” I laughed. “Funny.”Liam comes running into the room, he's a beautiful boy, his golden hair like mine, and a bit like Andrew's, his e
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 112. A special day
POV Emma“Put the Christmas tree more in the center of the room, love,” I said to Andrew.We were decorating the mansion for Christmas, I really loved this time of year, but we'd never had a full house on this date. It was just me and my dad, but now we were going to have a full family.Today was Christmas Eve, and I was proud of the beautiful work I was doing at my father-in-law Matteo's NGO. We distributed food, clothes and toys, and I knew that every single one of those things would make the children happy. I felt fulfilled.I looked at Andrew who was struggling to put the star on the top of the tree, I loved him! And every day I became more sure of that. Liam was growing at lightning speed, this child already wanted to run around the house.“Son,” I went after him nimbly.“He really can't sit still,” Andrew said, “Come with daddy son, let's go and see the Christmas tree.” He carried Liam on his lap, and then gave me a kiss.”Everyone was coming over tonight, we were having a spe
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 111. Friday
Emma's POVToday was Friday, one of my favorite days of the week, and the day I received news that would completely change my life.Do you know that moment when your heart seems to want to jump out of your mouth? I felt that way today, when I finally held up the letter that represented everything I had longed for. College has always been a challenge, and today, there, in my hand, was the proof that it was all worth it.The sunlight seemed to shine in a different way, as if it were congratulating me too. Every step to the college was a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. It seemed that everyone around me knew what I was about to discover.When I entered the building, everything seemed to take on a new meaning. The corridors were like trails to a new beginning, and every room a learning opportunity. And there it was, the letter, the gateway to a new phase of my life.As I read those words, a whirlwind of emotions flooded over me. It was as if the world was welcoming me to a new cha
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 110.Honeymoon
POV AndrewThe wedding was perfect, but I can't deny that I was looking forward to our honeymoon a thousand times more. "Wow, how beautiful every place is," she said, looking at the scenery."We were in the private jet, and Emma hated it. She said we were going to die and that she was scared, but after a few minutes by my side she forgot all about it. "Italy is enchanting," I said with a twinkle in my eye. I had chosen this as my city. My biological father, Matteo, had left me some property here and I was going to enjoy it too.Speaking of him, we were getting better and better as father and son. We were close, he and I talked about everything, and he showed me that it's possible to have a healthy relationship with your father. I forgave him, I understood that we can make mistakes. And holding a grudge wasn't going to make me a better person. I knew that.We were going to Milan. The best part of Italy for me. I was happy to bring my Principessa along."I've never traveled to place
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 109.Your wife
POV EmmaOne hour, ten minutes, and twenty seconds.That's exactly how long it was until I walked down the aisle, and my heart was racing faster than ever. The make-up artist finished making the final adjustments to my make-up and hair. Then the seamstress makes the final adjustments to the wedding dress.When everything is ready, I turn around and look at myself in the mirror, I look beautiful, holding back the tears from falling from my eyes.My make-up was basic, but it completely highlighted my beauty. My hair was tied up in an elegant updo.“Here you are, the most beautiful bride I've ever seen in my life,” my father said as he entered the room.His eyes were watery, and although he hadn't agreed one hundred percent with my marriage to Andrew, he was thrilled. My father still felt guilty about everything he had put me through.“Dad,” I smiled, “I can't believe you're here.It was going to be one of the happiest days of my life. I would truly be united with Andrew, the vows would
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 108.Glimpsing Tomorrow
POV Andrew When we arrived at the place where Lexie was supposed to be with my son, Emma got out of the car and I asked her to get back in.I didn't feel at all good about the situation, and I felt guilty about the whole thing. Lexie had always loved me, and I hadn't wanted to reciprocate. I always made it clear that it was just sex, nothing more, and that I would never take on any woman. When she saw me with Emma, she went berserk. I'd put a stop to it, I asked them to put her up against the wall, but it was no use. Lorenzo strategically positioned himself outside the car, watching for any movement.“I'm going in first,” I said to everyone in the car, and Emma looked at me."“I'm going in too, it's my son."“Emma. We don't know what this crazy woman wants, I'll go in first and try to talk to her, please wait in the car. That's an order,” I said.“Okay, sir,” she looked at me with fire in her eyes.She swallowed and sat back down in the back seat. My heart squeezed, I knew she was
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 107.Preparations
POV EmmaThe wedding preparations were driving me crazy. There were so many things to sort out, the venue, the dress and a thousand other things that I couldn't even measure. On top of that, I was the mother of a baby, and now I had the responsibility for the NGO. But I didn't complain, I liked being busy. It occupied my mind. Liam, now four months old, continued to bring me joy every minute. Everything was amazing to me again. His eyes identical to his father's, his huge smile, he was a baby who brought so much light into our lives. I was completely happy with this new phase. I was trying on the dress, I was going to buy it in the same place I bought my first one. We weren't going to call many people, just family members and some of Andrew's mafia friends. “This dress is perfect on you!” Ize smiled, looking at the dress.I looked at myself in the mirror. My emotions were running high, I was finally going to get married, the first marriage couldn't count as real, because it wasn
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 106.Baptism
Andrew's POV“Gentlemen, it's always a pleasure to be with you,” I say to the guests attending Liam's christening.Our little boy was three months old, three months of happiness and love. I never thought I'd be a father, in fact, I never even considered the idea, it was far from my plans, they only included partying, women and business. But she arrived and changed my whole perception of everything.Liam is on Emma's lap and has just been baptized. We Italians, and especially Mafiosi, consider baptism to be very important. The Catholic tradition was present in Sicilian culture.I look around at all the people who were significant to us. Ize's belly is taking shape, and I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle. Well... A year ago I couldn't have imagined getting married and becoming a father."In a little while it will be the baptism of your child," I whispered to Lorenzo and we toasted with a glass of wine. "I'm anxious, and tired. Your sister has every strange desire, and I'll be da
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 105. Future
Emma POVFour months later.“You don't have to run, we're at the mall, not the Formula 1 race,” I say to Ize, who's standing in front of me.“I was trying to find the pharmacy,” she rolls her eyes.After we've walked around the mall a bit more, she finds the pharmacy. My giant belly is almost unbearable to bear. After Ize's wedding, she decided that she would stay with us in the mansion, at least until our son was born, she wanted to be part of the birth of her nephew or niece. As the mansion was huge, I was very happy. I loved her presence. My mother wasn't going to stay there, but she always visited us. She got along with my father, and they're living together in our house, Andrew paid off the mortgage as a present for me. I was immensely happy. It was one of the things I thought would never be possible.We were at the mall looking at clothes for the baby, most of the outfits were unisex since we didn't know the sex yet. And of course, the wardrobe was always behind us.“What do
