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81."In the Shadow of the Casino"
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2023-11-15 21:44:08Related chapters
My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 82"Escape and Revelation"
EmmaFor the first time, Andrew slept beside me, no sex, no ulterior motives, just holding and caressing me. I remember falling asleep instantly, waking up with a hidden smile I wasn't letting show on my face.Despite everything going on, there was still hope that maybe we could make it work. My temper was strong, and his even stronger, we were like fire and gasoline, often not a good mix.I was going to tell Andrew about Lexie's threat; I couldn't handle it alone at the moment, and he might handle it better for me.I quickly took a shower and put on looser clothes; my belly barely showed, but my pregnant body was developing, and some types of clothing made me very uncomfortable.As I step through the bedroom door, a silly smile creeps onto my lips, so I slowly descend the stairs, waking up with a pain in my back. As I reach the tenth step, I hear something I truly didn't expect.Various scenarios flash through my mind, all involving things I didn't want to imagine. I hear Andrew De L
Last Updated : 2023-11-16My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 83 "Unveiling the Conspiracy"
Andrew De LucaSeeing her leaving the house in such a wounded state, running as if she'd been severely hurt, made me realize one thing: I was a fool.“Go after her now,” I ordered one of the employees standing beside me.“What a mess, Don,” Lorenzo remarked, watching me closely.Emma didn't deserve this behavior from me. It might have been who I was, but I knew I felt something for her. I didn't want to lose the only woman who managed to stir any kind of emotion in me.As the security went to bring Emma back, Lorenzo noticed that the unbearable journalists had left after the gunfire I'd ordered.“Sir,” the maid approached, and I glanced at her. “Miss Ize and Mr. Gian will arrive today; their plane is due to land in a few hours. She requested that you pick them up from the airport.”My mind was so muddled; I'd forgotten that Ize and Gian were returning today. I'd arranged for them to go to Italy, where they'd be safe for a while until things settled down. But now, I needed my sister cl
Last Updated : 2023-11-17My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 84."Veiled Threats"
POV EmmaAs that car drove without my knowledge of the destination, my thoughts merged. I pondered Andrew's kiss with another woman, wondered where his lunatic uncle was taking me, and what his intentions might be.My heart raced, and I struggled to maintain steady breathing, inhaling and exhaling, trying not to panic. I knew stressing out was a risk to the baby—I couldn't lose this child. It was all I had.“Where are you taking me? Please, tell me,” I pleaded with the driver, but to no avail.“I'm just doing my job, ma'am,” he replied.“Is your job kidnapping people? What a career choice. Your mother must be proud!” I spat out the words in frustration.My belly started to ache, a sharp pain I couldn't explain. I just hoped it wasn't anything with my child.The car slowed to a stop. I looked around, trying to memorize the place, but I was unfamiliar with it. I prayed to God to get me out of this. I was sure that amidst all the bad happening in my life, He hadn't abandoned me.The driv
Last Updated : 2023-11-18My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 85.Could they be clues?
Pov Andrew The lack of news was killing me every moment; I had to deal with Emma's disappearance and the likely betrayal by my own uncle. I paced back and forth in the office, searching for answers to everything that was happening.“Don, we'll figure this out. We'll get the money back and find Emma,” Lorenzo suggested, attempting to calm me down.“I don't give a shit about fucking money, Lorenzo. That's the least of my concerns. My worry is having a backstabbing uncle and my pregnant wife in his hands.”My wife… It was the first time I spoke it aloud, sincerely. My hands were icy, and surprisingly, neither whiskey nor cigars could calm me down.My face twisted with rage.“We need to make sure my uncle actually kidnapped Emma and what he intends to do with her. If it's true, I'll kill him with my own hands, I swear, Lorenzo,” I kept my eyes on the security cameras.“I don't understand the motives, Don. Antonio is wealthy, even more than he should be.”“Ambition!” I clenched my fists.
Last Updated : 2023-11-19My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 86."The Grim Visitation"
Pov EmmaThe silence enveloping this damned room was unbearable; I tried to be strong for myself and for this child. But my strength had dwindled.I was exhausted.Seated on the bed, I stare at the ring on my finger, and immediately, memories of him flood back. Andrew… My wedding day wasn't as I had hoped. I recall my last day at the diner, just before getting fired, the image of me on the bus, contemplating how many dreams I had and how I would achieve them.Here, sitting in this gloomy room, everything seemed distant. I'd never be able to pursue my education, there'd be no peace, and I didn't even know if I'd make it out of there alive.His name echoed in my mind, a reminder of that tormenting day, the whirlwind of emotions that was our wedding. Despite everything and his betrayal, I wished to be in his arms, away from this prison, away from all this uncertainty consuming me.It was incredible how someone could both uplift and shatter you. That's how I felt with Andrew. He could be
Last Updated : 2023-11-20My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 87."Legacy's Burden"
POV Andrew Everything in my life started going wrong when they closed my father's coffin, and my supposed adoptive mother left. Imagine, for a fifteen-year-old, that kind of pressure. I took on everything very young. That day was the only time I screamed. The pain of mourning was unbearable, and even though my father and I clashed, he was the only person I had left. Back then, all I could feel was hatred for her for leaving us, and I didn't know the real reasons why my mother had to go. But now I knew… and I also knew that she was Emma's real mother. Fate was a bastard and loved to play with people's lives. It was clear. For the longest time, I thought my uncle was my mentor. He took care of me while I was submissive and innocent, thinking he would stay in power. But when I matured enough to understand that all of this was mine, and if I wanted the respect and honor of being the Don, I had to walk on my own two feet, he began to distance himself. So, I did what I had to do. I did
Last Updated : 2023-11-21My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 88."Confinement's Agonizing Wait"
POV Emma Losing myself in novels has always been my refuge, the highlight of my existence. Between pages, I'd dive into overwhelming loves and captivating stories, creating a parallel universe where the hope of true love resided. I dreamt of the possibility of a relationship full of devotion and reciprocity. However, never in any of my fantasies did I dare imagine that my destiny would intertwine in this way. But here I am now, carrying a baby, the result of a relationship with a feared mobster, and held captive by his uncle, a mad and dangerous man. It's a reality difficult to process, an unimaginable plot that transcends all the romances I've ever read. Andrew was a criminal, but was I any different? I saw a man die in front of me, Derick, and I admit, I felt no remorse at his passing. I don't know if I'm a horrible person. I admit, life before wasn't easy. I had to juggle shifts at the diner, most of the time, almost always, forced to work overtime to support the household,
Last Updated : 2023-11-21My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 89. Trying to negotiate
POV Andrew After finding out my uncle was a backstabber, I wouldn't have any other choice—I'd go after him and kill if necessary. Emma was my responsibility, but more than that, he had betrayed my father for years, and being his brother, my father never suspected a thing. The worst betrayal was within the family, and he was going to pay for it, or my name wasn't Andrew. I sank into the armchair in the living room and lifted the glass to my lips. Whiskey, my drink of choice when I was enraged, and there was just too much to process all at once. The maid lit the fireplace; it was cold. My mind wandered to Emma. How was she doing now? I was terrified of losing her, more than I'd ever felt for anyone else. I felt powerless — not being able to save her without knowing exactly where she was. This time, I wasn't dealing with Giovanni Moretti; it was my own uncle. And I knew how ruthless and dangerous he could be. Lorenzo approached and sat beside me. We sat in silence, staring into th
Last Updated : 2023-11-22
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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
