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70."The Critical Moment"
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2023-11-04 03:57:34Related chapters
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 71 "Facing the Truth"
Andrew DeLuca Emma was unconscious; I carried her in my arms and descended the stairs quickly. There was no time to wait for the elevator, and it was my fault she had passed out. Guilt was a feeling I despised.When I reached the first floor, the nosy receptionist approached us, asking what had happened. I simply stared at her and walked away. The driver was already waiting in the car; I placed Emma in the back seat, and we rushed to the hospital. I had various important contacts, including trusted doctors who received money to take care of the health of my "associates" and me without asking questions.But this time, I would go to the best, the best obstetrician in New York, Dr. Ravier. He was Italian and a close friend of the family. He would care for Emma, and I didn't care how much it would cost. Money was not the issue; I just wanted her to be okay."Drive, move quickly," I told the driver."Don't ask me to be calm; she's unconscious, and worse, it's my fault."Lorenzo, my consig
Last Updated : 2023-11-04My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 72 "Divided Heart"
EmmaI woke up in that hospital room, confused and disoriented. My memory was foggy, and all I could recall was the moment I had fainted. Andrew was there, looking at me with an expression I wasn't quite sure how to interpret. It was as if he was surprised by my presence, as if I were a revelation.He said he loved me, and my words came out harsh and impulsive. "You can only love yourself."Everything felt confusing, and my head throbbed from the dizziness I still felt. Going back to him wasn't what I wanted, but at that moment, it seemed like the only option. If I continued to get sick, with complications in my pregnancy, working as a waitress, and having to hide from Andrew, the chances of my child surviving were minimal. The choice was forced, but I needed to think about the well-being of the baby.The doctor entered the room, and his friendly expression reassured me somewhat. He asked how I was feeling, and I responded honestly."A little better," I said, trying to smile. "The diz
Last Updated : 2023-11-05My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 73 "The Angel and the Enigma"
EmmaI had been discharged. I was apprehensive about returning to the mansion; I knew that there were still so many things to happen. I could no longer run away after a year of the contract; this contract would haunt me for the rest of my life. Now, I have a result of it, living in my belly. Andrew was the father of the baby, and he wouldn't disappear from my life.Never again.It was a fact I had to accept, but I just couldn't process all of this.He was by my side, sleeping like an angel in the companion's chair. I watched him sleep, thinking, how could he be so beautiful with an angelic face and yet so dark at the same time? It was an enigma.I look at the phone. I consider calling my father, but I imagine him sad and crying again. I can't put him in this mess; I know he brought me into this, but he never forced me to sleep with a mobster.And I don't know... As much as my father was wrong, if it weren't for this, I would never know the truth about myself. About my siblings, whom I
Last Updated : 2023-11-06My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 74" Caught in the Crossfire"
Emma.I decided to heed Derick's insane request and go to the meeting. It wasn't what I wanted, but the idea that he might invent lies about me to Andrew kept me in a constant state of alert. I needed to protect my baby, and unfortunately, that meant facing Derick.I waited until Andrew was busy with his own affairs in the mansion. I watched his movements, waiting for the right moment to leave without raising suspicions. It was challenging to act in the shadows in a house filled with security, but I had learned a few tricks over time.Finally, I found an opportunity when he was busy discussing business with some of his men. Silently, I grabbed my coat and phone, and slipped out through the back door. I knew I couldn't take too long, so I started heading quickly to the meeting point.The Roof at Viceroy Central Park was a chic and luxurious place, not far from the DeLuca mansion. I was nervous, feeling the baby moving in my belly, as if he too was aware of the danger of that moment.As
Last Updated : 2023-11-06My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 75 "Under the Stars"
EmmaAfter the incident on the rooftop, Andrew invited me to go for ice cream at a place he used to frequent as a child. It was strange to think that we were sitting in an ice cream parlor after what had just happened. I couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the situation."You've killed someone, and now we're here having ice cream," I said with a touch of humor in my voice.He shrugged, trying to appear composed, but I could see the tension in his eyes. "It's part of the job, Emma. Sometimes, we have to do things that aren't always easy to understand or accept."I wondered how he managed to live in this world where violence seemed like a common solution. But I also understood that he was trying to protect his family, and now we had a baby on the way, and he would be in this world too. I wanted to try to raise him away from it, but I knew it was impossible."That sounds like a peculiar way to justify what happened up there," I commented.He looked at me with a serious expression. "Y
Last Updated : 2023-11-07My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 76."Rekindling the Flame"
Andrew DeLuca.I never thought I would consider being the family man, the one who's content with just one woman. That was never me. But Emma came into my life and showed me that maybe that was for me, that maybe she was the right woman.After we arrived home, I couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened. I had just ended Derick's life, and there would be no retaliation; I would make it clear that he was a traitor. But that wasn't what was on my mind. I was thinking about Emma, about us stargazing. This ragazza came into my life, changing everything around her. So many things had happened that I couldn't believe it all.I was going to be a father, and it was making me anxious.I sat in the armchair, sipping my fine whiskey, wanting to leave it all behind. Emma had gone to her room, and I thought it was best that way.Lorenzo entered the room with a glass of whiskey and took a seat in a chair across from me. I was lost in thought, still reflecting on Derick's death."Don,
Last Updated : 2023-11-08My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 77. "Tangled Sheets and Unspoken Words"
EmmaI woke up, disoriented. As I looked to the side, I saw Andrew sleeping. My God, we slept together! When I regain consciousness, I realize how wrong it was. This was so foolish of me; he was with someone else in his office just yesterday, and I simply gave in to him.I couldn't mention various ways to say how much of a mistake this was. Andrew could always win me over, even when I was angry. The guilt every time I woke up naked in the same sheets as him was immense.But it was all new to me, and I was very afraid. Afraid to let myself go and end up disappointed.Andrew De Luca was not the perfect man for a relationship; he was a criminal, an outlaw, and I knew it. But I was in love with a criminal, and as a song whose name I couldn't quite recall said, this kind of love wasn't rational, it was physical.I got up and opened the windows; the cloudy weather invaded our faces. The fresh morning breeze was wonderful. I wanted to continue sleeping, but today I had a check-up to make sur
Last Updated : 2023-11-10My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 78
Andrew narrating.I had gone to handle some matters for a hotel franchise. Of course, I disguised myself as a business CEO, but behind the scenes, I operated in the underworld of the mafia. Irritation consumed me in a way I couldn't even explain.While drugs and smuggling brought in a lot of money for the organization, the wealth of the De Luca family was primarily distributed in casinos and hotels. We didn't solely rely on dirty dealings. However, I was angry about how things were between me and Emma. She didn't understand that my word was final—I was the Don, and she had to obey me. The rule was always clear, and usually, if someone resisted, I would teach them to obey forcibly. But there was something about that damn woman that I couldn't explain.To make matters worse, she was expecting my child. Clearly, this was the problem with letting your guard down. When you showed emotions, people thought they could control you. That's why I couldn't be like that with Emma anymore—she was m
Last Updated : 2023-11-11
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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
