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28. "Family Business"
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2023-10-03 23:14:00Related chapters
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 29. "Bathtub"
EmmaA shower for me was always a way of getting away from all my problems. Ever since my mother left, when I wanted to get away from everything, I would just sink into the shower and let the water wash away everything I was feeling. Now that I'm an adult, that hasn't changed.I always thought a lot, maybe that was my blessing and my curse. Here I was in the bathtub, thinking about everything I was experiencing.Sometimes, or almost every day, I thought it might be a dream. That I wasn't here, that I couldn't be married to a man whose ego was bigger than his own nose.I wanted to get away from my thoughts. From myself, if that were possible.Is that why people commit suicide or take desperate measures?Not that I wanted that, it was just a thought, one of more than a thousand I had in one shower.I looked at myself in the mirror, and it was strange, now I felt like a woman, I don't know if it was after my first time, which wasn't as I had envisioned it. It was with a handsome man, eve
Last Updated : 2023-10-04My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 30 "Party"
EmmaDeLuca wasn't the best person in the world; he could be annoying and horrible at times. Or almost always.But listening to the stories his godfather was telling about him at lunch, I began to see that maybe there was another man beneath that tough exterior."And that time you just locked your dad's friend in the room during your parents' wedding anniversary party?" Riccardo said while they laughed.I smiled."Yeah, I was a naughty kid.""Very naughty.""These stories are too embarrassing, godfather, don't tell them in front of my wife," Andrew said."I'm loving it," I smiled.There were few moments of fun that I had in this house. I basically spent most of the day alone, at least when Ize wasn't here."Where's your sister, Andrew?" Riccardo asked."She's traveling. I sent the security with her, but... whether she'll obey, I don't know," Andrew said, rolling his eyes."Isabella has always been headstrong, takes after her mother's temperament."After Andrew's godfather brought up t
Last Updated : 2023-10-05My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 31."Hidden Feelings"
Emma We went to greet some people, and they were all well-dressed, exuding a typical air of superiority. But what a mess, all of them had connections to illicit activities with their families, so they weren't any better than anyone else. Andrew went to greet some of his allies, and I forced a smile; I hated these people, to be honest. "Is this your wife, Don?" one of the men who seemed to be mobsters asked. "Yes, this is Emma Campbell, my wife," Andrew DeLuca said, and it caused a strange sensation in me. Even though I knew it was all a lie, hearing Andrew say that I was his wife triggered an inexplicable anxiety. "Pleasure to meet you, my dear," the man shook my hand, and I forced myself to be polite. "The feeling is mutual, sir." The woman accompanying him just stared at me with disdain, and I pretended she wasn't there, irritated. We leave their presence, and a waiter passed by offering a glass of champagne. I declined, but Andrew immediately grabbed one for me as well. I s
Last Updated : 2023-10-06My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 32."Unforeseen on the Road"
EmmaAndrew pulled the car out of the parking lot and said goodbye to some people, including the pathetic blond. I couldn't understand why I was feeling this way. It was terrible.I felt the silence in the car to be deafening. Andrew drove as if nothing else around him mattered; he didn't look at me, and I avoided his gaze as well. The atmosphere was strange, as always.I sat in the passenger seat beside him, gazing out the tinted window, and everything looked beautiful. I wished life were as simple as it seemed. But, in reality, it was entirely different.I discreetly observed him; there was something in his aura that I couldn't decipher. It seemed like there was so much pain in his heart. Andrew was a mysterious and silent person. He kept everything to himself. But still, I could imagine what he was like deep down.It was strange. He could be an extremely calculating and aggressive man, but at the same time, he made me completely excited.My head was pounding a bit, maybe because I
Last Updated : 2023-10-09My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 33. "In your hands."
EmmaI made a pillow barrier between me and him; there was no way I was going to sleep cuddled up with Andrew. That would be giving the enemy too many chances.He's sitting in the chair, his dress shirt almost completely open, revealing his muscular chest and defined abdomen, which unfortunately I couldn't help but notice. His messy, post-party hair."What's this for?" he says, referring to the pillow barrier."I just don't want to sleep close to you," I shrugged."And who told you I want to?" He rolled his eyes. "We've slept together without doing anything several times; today isn't the day I'll give in to your charm." He smirked ironically."I would never flirt with you. Why didn't we leave today?" I quickly changed the subject."I already explained, it's the middle of the night, and I don't know if this was all a setup. The car was fine, Emma. And suddenly, the tire is flat. That's why I thought it was better for us to stay here, which isn't a safe place, but at least we can spend
Last Updated : 2023-10-10My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 34. Morning Surprise
Emma Andrew's strong hand was securely wrapped around my waist. We were spooning, and I stared at the ceiling, unable to free myself from his embrace. I should have nipped this in the bud. When I'm in his bed, in his arms, I feel unique, like his woman. But I know that, for most couples, it's symbolic - union and love. Our marriage was nothing more than a scheme from which he would benefit. All of this only reminded me that I belonged to him, and it didn't sound romantic. I was his, like his property. I won't lie and be hypocritical; being with him was wonderful. The way he knew how to touch me and make me feel sensations I never imagined experiencing was unique. I bet a thousand women dreamed of having Andrew DeLuca as their husband. But not me. I tried to break free from the spooning position because I needed to use the bathroom. But Andrew began to move, and then his husky voice echoed through the room. "Are you going to run away again like the first time?" he asked with a ton
Last Updated : 2023-10-11My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 35."In the Unknown"
The men dragged me out of the room, and I couldn't see anything. They simply covered my head to blindfold me. I could only think that it might be the end of everything, the end of my life at that very moment.Andrew didn't return in time; he wouldn't know who took me. And I wasn't even sure if he genuinely cared about me. My mouth was uncovered, so my only option was to scream, hoping that he would at least catch a glimpse of these kidnappers."ANDREW!!" I screamed as loudly as I could.I felt a slap across my face, and the man with an Italian accent said, "You wretched woman, let's go!"They tossed me into the car without any regard and sped away. I couldn't see Andrew DeLuca, and these men were likely going to kill me, or I didn't know what they would do to me.I couldn't see anything, but I could feel that the car was moving. All I wanted was to be with my father at this moment. What would I do? How would I get out of this?Desperation consumed me as I found myself at the mercy of
Last Updated : 2023-10-12My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 36."In Search of Blood"
Andrew DeLuca The smell of coffee invaded my nostrils, and I went in search of something good in this place so that we could have breakfast and leave for the mansion. I had already given the command to my driver. “Is there anything good for breakfast?” I asked the receptionist, who was insinuating herself to me. “There are several breakfast options, would you like me to accompany you, and we can take a walk around the hotel?” she asked in a provocative voice. “No, thanks, I'll manage,” I said firmly. I hated propositioning women! It was no fun. I sorted out a tray of bread and some fruit. The hotel was pretty shabby, but that's what we found for the night. Worry still lingered in the back of my mind, as I feared it was a trap, that they had punctured my tire on purpose. I climbed the steps with my tray in hand, heading for the bedroom, which was only a little way away. Suddenly, I heard a scream, it was Emma's voice pronouncing my name. “ANDREW!!!” her voice echoed through the
Last Updated : 2023-10-13
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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
