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87."Legacy's Burden"
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2023-11-21 00:58:59Related chapters
My 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 : 2023-11-22My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 90."Pawns and Betrayals"
POV Andrew I'm pacing back and forth, trying to figure out a solution to get Emma out of a place I don't even know where it is. I searched every possible location where she could be, but I have no clue. “He has properties here,” the detective I hired says. “It makes sense. But that would be such an obvious place to hide. Think about it, I know all of my uncle's and family's properties, hiding in one of those places would be too easy for me. I'd venture to say he must be in a different kind of place,” I said. “Andrew is right. I believe he's smart, knows how to hide better than we think.” “He has the De Luca blood. That's the problem,” I pound the table. “Let's narrow down the radius to a smaller location,” the detective suggested. I nodded and left the room. Each day away from Emma made me more and more frustrated. It's like every object in the office room becomes a target for my anger. My clenched fist hit the table, sending papers and pens flying, then I hurled books against
Last Updated : 2023-11-22My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 91.Memories
POV EmmaUpon seeing the image of Dr. Gabriel in front of me, millions of questions begin to form in my mind.And the first of them is:"What are you doing here?"'It's not what you're thinking, Emma. I was forced by this madman,' he whispered. 'You're not well, you need to go to the hospital.''Is it something with the baby?' I widened my eyes in shock.'I can't be sure here and now. We need equipment, an ultrasound, and so on.''How did he find you?' I raised my eyebrows.'I don't know. What I didn't know was that it was you who would be here; I don't cooperate with violence. But he threatened my mother. I'm sorry, Emma, I can't save you.'I sighed. Dr. Gabriel seemed like a nice person. It wasn't his fault, being threatened by a mad and lunatic person like Antonio; it wasn't his responsibility to risk himself to save me.'It's not your fault, Doctor,' I said, taking a deep breath. 'I mean, Gabriel.' I weakly smiled.He took some things from the first aid kit, and I watched closely
Last Updated : 2023-11-22My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 92."Mysterious message"
Andrew Accepting the duel was the wisest thing I could have done. I knew I could risk it, lose, lose my entire empire and everything I had achieved, not at the hands of my father, but on my own. But for her it would be worth it. And for our baby, of course. I imagine myself as a father, a child running around this huge house, Emma smiling at me. There was so much nonsense I'd been thinking lately. Will she or he think I'm a good father? I hope they don't think I'm a pain in the ass. Clara leaves breakfast on the tray by the bedside. I turn to look, but I'm not hungry. "Sir, you need to eat," she says. "I'm not hungry, Clara, but thank you. She nods and leaves the room. I go to the shower room, take off my clothes, get in the shower and feel the hot water running down every inch of my abdomen. Even this reminds me of her. I remember Emma running her tongue over my defined abdomen and I get a fucking erection. Emma Campbell... How I wish you were here right now. I got ou
Last Updated : 2023-11-23My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 93. "Combat"
POV Andrew I open the message left at the mansion's door calmly. The paper is a bit damp from the rain, but still legible. Written on it: “Andrew, be careful.” What the heck is this? Who left this here? Is it a threat or a warning? I couldn't grasp the underlying message. I head to security, approaching quickly while still holding the paper in my hand. “Who left this here?” I ask, displaying the note. “We don't know, sir. We didn't see anyone suspicious.” “Someone left this here. Check the cameras. Fast.” The man, as massive as a door and one of my most trusted guards, literally goes to the door and checks the cameras. I had an extensive surveillance system throughout the mansion, in every corner except bedrooms and bathrooms. I did it for my safety and everyone else's. My father was obsessed with this. I guess I inherited that trait, through exposure, of course. “Sir, there's nothing,” he said. “How can there be nothing? They left this here,” I said, indignant. “Actually,
Last Updated : 2023-11-23My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 94.Shot in the dark
POV Andrew In that tense moment, my thoughts turned to Emma and a simpler time. It was as if I could feel the warm sunshine of our childhood, my mother's laughter echoing in the distance, and my father watching from the edge of the pool with his trusty cigar in hand. We had so many dreams back then, and she was always my pillar, my strength. I remember the days at the beach, her building sandcastles while I tried to be the fearless knight she admired. My mother always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. Everything was simpler back then. And now I was. Also, the image of Emma smiling gave me strength, that sweet, comforting smile that lit up any darkness. It was for her that I was there, fighting, even in the face of my uncle, an enemy who knew my every weakness. The past now blended with the present, each memory pushing me to resist his provocation, to remain calm in the face of his acidic words. Emma was there, trapped by his insanity. I couldn't fail, I cou
Last Updated : 2023-11-23My Dear Don: The Contract Marriage. 95 "Dangerous duel"
POV Andrew After the gunshot, was I dead? Had I been shot? My arm was bleeding profusely, but I managed to turn my head to see what had happened and who had fired. I couldn't think very well, my body was burning as if with chills. When I managed to turn around, there was Lorenzo with the gun pointed at me and my uncle on the ground. He had managed to hit my uncle. I tried to get up but couldn't. I seemed to be hallucinating. His greenish eyes came into my mind. “Emma,” I groaned in pain as I put my hand on my arm. I feel a wave of pain run through my body, but the focus isn't on me. It's on Emma. Every movement feels like a battle, but determination keeps me on my feet, however shakily. Lorenzo comes to my aid, his face exuding concern. I feel a tightness in my chest at the sight of him so distressed for me. He advises me to go to the hospital, but the thought of leaving Emma alone and at the mercy of that bastard disturbs me more than the physical pain I feel. “We have t
Last Updated : 2023-11-24
Latest chapter
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
