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CHAPTER 115: EMMA
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Kaugnay na kabanata
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 1: EMMA
I'd never taken a day off in my life. A leave of convenience? That's not for me. Well, except for tonight. Tonight, I seem to have broken a lot of my rules, no alcohol, no reckless decisions, no dressing and/or dancing like slut, and, no flirting. Is this normally how one reacts after recently learning that their mother is dying from cancer? Nope, but if I continue like this for tonight at least, I can forget my problems for a while. I swung my hips to the blasting music, no one was dancing hard enough, fuckers. I traced my accentuated curves as I spun. It was a shame my ex never got to see this dress, I had bought it for our graduation celebratory dinner, but the asshole decided to fuck my best friend the night before. Now, I get to wear it for a bunch of strangers, ones who look eager to take it off tonight. One person looked more determined than the rest, he was seated quite far from where I was, but his gaze was so sharp. He's beautiful, I thought to myself. If he's lucky enoug
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 2: LIAM
She would be my wife. I would make sure of it. She's the exact opposite of what mother would want for me and I'll make her mine. But tonight, oh tonight. I moved to her, enjoying the look of desperation on her face. With one hand I gripped her breast, teasing her nipple slightly. She moaned. Fuck. These panties, I need to see how soaking wet she is for me. "Lay down." She obeyed, good girl. I slid my fingers against her panties, I could feel her slickness through the fabric, how ready she was for me. I fingered her wet folds through the lace, all while maintaining eye contact. Watching her squirm hardened my cock even further. Shit, I need to feel her bare, raw. I took off my clothing, dropping my briefs down slowly, I couldn't miss the gasp that left her lips after seeing my erect cock. So many emotions sprawled over her face, her cheeks red with arousal, and anticipation. Her nipples, pointy and peaked, begging to be sucked. How could I resist? I swept down on her perfe
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 3: EMMA
What the fuck was I thinking? Did I enjoy the sex? Yes. Was he an ass? Yes. Do I hope I'll never see him again? Maybe. Anyway, the point is, I'm late, I'm meant to have an appointment with Ma's doctor this afternoon, it's currently 12:40 pm, the train to the hospital takes at least 15 minutes, and the appointment is by 1 pm. I had hoped to at least brush my teeth to be a bit presentable, even though I probably reek of alcohol. What kind of fancy suite provides toothbrushes without toothpaste? Waking up late is one thing, but having the time to brush, but not the equipment? Outrageous. As soon as I got on the train, I got a call from my Ma. "Mama." I coughed out. "Emma, where are you piccina? The doctor, I'll be called in soon, you know you're not my only guardian anymore." she sounded worried. "I know mama, I'll be there soon, I'm ten minutes away." I tried to hide the tension in my voice. "Don't worry, just sit and wait, the doctor said worry isn't good for your condition, cal
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 4: LIAM
Emma Hart is the only child of a single mother, Lilian Adams, half American, half Italian.Raised alone, drowning in debts, graduated from Florence Academy of Fine Arts, Florence.So, she does live in Rimini, interesting.I misjudged her earlier, she was probably looking for toothpaste to freshen up, and I realized the wrapping on the toothbrush was torn open.But, I won't apologize, I don't do that, ever."One more thing sir." My assistant James said. "I recently learned her mother has been diagnosed with stage two lung cancer, and they, er…have some financial difficulties."It's been four days since my interesting one-night stand. People are easily bought with money, she'll be my wife with a snap of my fingers."You know what to do James. Find out her workplace, I want to meet with her as soon as possible." I instructed. He nodded and walked out of my office.I have to marry Emma, she's my way out. My mother, Isabella Caruso, wants me to marry Serena Moretti, that Jezebel. I underst
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 5: EMMA
What did he just say?"Wait…what?""Marry me, Emma, all your bills, debts, hospital fees, fuck it, even this building will be yours, the Caruso Empire owns it, so I own it. I'll give it to you."Wait, he's dead serious.So what if he's fucking Vanderbilt? How dare he?But, the money doesn't sound like a bad idea. But, it is crazy, my one-night stand coming to me with a marriage proposal less than a week after meeting him."Why?" I ask"Because I need you," he replies swiftly, his face devoid of any emotion."Right." I chuckle. "And if I refuse?""You won't." Oh, he sure is an arrogant son of a bitch. "Because you need my money, the same way I need your hand."I hate that he's right, but this feels wrong and fast, too fast.So, I say "No. I refuse. I know nothing about you, or what I'm getting into." What if he's an organ harvester?"Darling, if you wanna know about me, look up 'Liam Caruso', although I'm not sure if the million and one articles you see can tell you the full truth. I'm
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 6: LIAM
All hell had broke lose. Mother’s constant nagging, Serena’s annoying pestering, but they would eventually grow tired.“You must be out of your mind.” Mother spells as she slams a tablet in front of me. She turns her back to me, paces slowly in front of my desk.There was an article, tugging at edges, baseless claims. One claiming I had tied the knot two days ago.True? Yes. Evidence? None.“Let them blab. It won’t affect any of your dealings. You said I am to marry, I did as you said. Now, please cease coming to bother me at work Ma.” I said as plainly as I could.“What you did, was put a ring on nameless street vermin. You threw our valuable name, a name of hard work over generations on the next bitch you could find. You embarrassed me, you embarrassed the family, how can you not see that?” I have never seen Mother this angry, not even when she lost million-dollar deals.A dramatic reaction, I must say.“I will not have you speak about my wife like that. Sooner or later, you’ll have
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 7: EMMA
Dickhead.Look at him, all smug and confident-filled, looking as expression-less as ever, fuck him.He’s not looking like someone who had me confined to this big house like I’m some sort of prisoner, when my only crime is marrying a Caruso for money I urgently need.I hate how he still manages to look so fine when I’m writhing with anger and confusion from my insides out. I can barely contain my frustration and he’s here…teasing me.The least he could do is be ugly, at least my hatred couldn’t be confused as lust at times, but the cherry on top of the cake, is, he is not.He’s freakishly handsome, dark hair, and the most manly man I’ve ever set eyes on. He possesses the true charisma of an Italian man, plus the ego, and now this 6 foot 4 man is towering over me, I can’t handle this.“We need to talk.” I say and turn away from him to catch my breath. I sit on the sofa and rub my forehead. I have to find the most calm way to ask my questions.Why is your family entangled with my missing
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 8: EMMA
I clear my throat, regain my pose and look her squarely.“Good morning Mrs Caruso. It’s nice to finally meet you.” I greet, it’s best to not pretend like I don’t know who she is.I extend my hand for a handshake, she eyes it suspiciously, clutches her purse and relaxes on her seat.Well, that was awkward. I withdraw my hand and wipe it awkwardly on my gown. Once again, I am terribly dressed making it even harder to make a good expression.Shit.“I must give it to my son, he may have mentioned when he purchased this…” she starts eyeing the room “…place. But, it’s hard to keep up with his new location, he keeps running away like I’m some sort of monster.” she cackles.I smile nervously.“So, this is where he kept you. Hmm. Well, sit darling, I am in your home after all.” she sneers sarcastically.I nod and take the seat opposite her, it’s hard to avert her piercing gaze.She stares and eyes me quietly for an awkward while before asking “Are you in love with my son?”Well mother Mary!“C
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THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 115: EMMA
I glance at the clock and my heart starts racing. I'm late."Okay, stop fussing!" I scold my bridesmaids, but I can't help the nervous laugh that escapes my lips as Gia fluffs my veil for the third time. Natasha is running around, making sure every single detail is perfect, while Odette is already dressed and helping the makeup artist add the final touches to my lips.And then there's Rob. He's pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath, "You're going to be late for your wedding, Emma. Of course, you are. I knew it. I knew this would happen!""Rob," I groan, rolling my eyes. "You're not helping!"He stops pacing and dramatically places his hands on his hips, his eyes full of fake indignation. "Excuse me, darling. Who has been by your side through every single dress fitting, cake tasting, and meltdown?"I chuckled despite myself, the tension easing just a little. "I love you, Rob.""Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mutters, coming over to adjust my gown. "But seriously, we need to get movi
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 114: LIAM
The darkness is heavy, but slowly, painfully, it starts to lift. I feel a strange tug in my chest, and I'm aware of the beeping sounds, the sterile scent of the hospital filling the air around me. My eyes flutter open, and the brightness of the room stings my vision. It takes a few moments for everything to come into focus.Where… where am I?"Liam?" A soft voice calls out to me, and when I blink again, I see Lilian, Emma's mother, standing by my bedside, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh my God, you're awake."I try to speak, but my throat feels like it's on fire. Instead, I groan, my hand instinctively reaching out to grasp hers. Lilian smiles through her tears, gently squeezing my hand."You've been in a coma, sweetheart," she says softly. "For a while now. But don't worry, you're okay. You're going to be okay." Her smile wavers for a moment before she adds, "Emma… she's at the station with your mother, confronting Serena. But she's fine. She's been by your side every day."My mind race
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 113: EMMA
The silence in the room is deafening. Isabella stands before us, her posture rigid, her hands clasped together tightly as if she's holding on to a secret too heavy to bear. My mom and I sit across from her, the tension thick between us, suffocating."There's something you both need to know," Isabella begins, her voice wavering slightly. I glance at my mom, who looks pale, her fingers tightly gripping the arms of the chair. "I've held onto this for years, but it's time you hear the truth. About Enzo."At the mention of my father's name, my heart skips a beat. I feel my stomach churn as I wait for her to continue. Isabella takes a deep breath, then says the words that make my world tilt off its axis."I knew him."The words hang in the air like a weight, pressing down on me. My mom's face pales even more, her lips trembling as she absorbs the shock of the revelation. Isabella presses on, her eyes filled with a mixture of shame and regret."Enzo and I… we had an affair."The room goes co
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 112: EMMA
The beeping of the heart monitor is the first thing I hear, steady and rhythmic, pulling me from the darkness that has consumed me. My body feels heavy like I'm being held down by invisible weights, and there's a dull ache spreading across my chest and limbs. The sterile smell of the hospital fills my nostrils, and it takes a moment for me to remember where I am.I blinked, squinting against the harsh fluorescent light above, trying to make sense of my surroundings. As my vision clears, I notice my mom, slumped over in a chair next to me, her head resting on her crossed arms, fast asleep. Her face looks worn, more tired than I've ever seen her.I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my ribs, forcing me to wince. The memories hit me all at once—the truck, the crash, Liam's bloodied face. Panic rises in my chest, and I gasp, "Liam."My voice is weak, barely more than a croak, but it's enough to wake my mom. Her head snaps up, her eyes widening as she sees me. "Emma!" she cries
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 111: EMMA
We're curled up on the couch, the flicker of the fireplace casting warm shadows on the walls. Liam has been quiet all evening, his usual playful mood replaced by a somberness I haven't seen before. I know something's wrong. The weight of his silence presses down on me, but I don't want to push him, not yet.Eventually, he breaks the silence."Emma," he says quietly, his voice strained. His eyes are red and teary, and my heart aches just seeing him like this. "We need to talk."I sit up, my chest tightening. "Liam, what's going on? You're scaring me."He doesn't look at me, his gaze fixed on the fire. His hands tremble, and I gently place mine over his, trying to calm him, to let him know I'm here, whatever it is."I'm a monster," he whispers, his voice breaking. "I've done terrible things, Emma. Things I can't undo."I freeze, my heart hammering in my chest. "Liam, what are you talking about? You're not a monster."He shakes his head, his eyes squeezed shut as if the memories are too
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 110: LIAM
I lean back in my office chair, glancing out of the large windows that overlook the city humming with life. It's been a perfect week, just me and Emma, no distractions, no obligations. We've spent our days exploring the city, enjoying quiet dinners by candlelight, and getting lost in each other's company. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at peace.But now, it's back to reality. Back to work. And as much as I hate to admit it, the tension in the air is thick. I've barely been at my desk for half an hour when my mother storms into the office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Right behind her, Serena follows with a face full of barely contained rage. Great. Just the pair I didn't want to see today."Liam!" my mother snaps, her voice slicing through the silence of the room. "We need to talk."I sit up, bracing myself. I knew this was coming. Ever since Emma returned, I've been waiting for the inevitable confrontation. My mother never approved of E
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 109: EMMA
I step off the plane, my heart racing with excitement and nerves. It's been months since I last set foot in Italy, and the anticipation of seeing Liam again has my stomach in knots. He thinks I'm arriving tomorrow, but I can't wait. My internship is officially over, and now I'm here, ready to surprise him.Odette is waiting for me just outside baggage claim, her signature oversized sunglasses perched on her head, and a wide grin stretching across her face. Beside her, Natasha and Gia are waving excitedly, their energy contagious. The second I step through the doors, I'm swept into a whirlwind of hugs, laughter, and excited chatter."Girl, you look amazing!" Gia says, her eyes sparkling as she gives me a once-over. "Internship did wonders for you.""I agree," Natasha adds, her arm looped through mine as we start walking toward the car. "Liam is going to lose his mind when he sees you."Odette, always the ringleader of the group, claps her hands together. "Alright, ladies. Time to make
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 108: LIAM
The phone rings, and Emma's name lights up the screen. My heart skips a beat. I pick up, trying to keep my voice steady, but as soon as I hear her voice, soft and warm, I feel a smile tugging at my lips."Hey," she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice too. "I just got the flowers. A hundred roses, Liam? Really?"I chuckle, leaning back in my chair. "Too much?""No," she says quickly, a slight laugh in her tone. "It was perfect. You know, everyone at work is completely jealous. Rob hasn't stopped squealing since they arrived.""I'm glad you liked them," I say, feeling the tension in my chest loosen a little. "I wasn't sure if a hundred was over the top, but... I needed you to know how serious I am.""I know," she says softly. "And I love them. They're beautiful."There's a pause, a comfortable silence settling between us. I close my eyes, just listening to her breathe on the other end of the line. Even through the phone, the connection between us feels so strong, so real. It's h
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 107: EMMA
Monday hits me like a freight train. After a long, emotionally charged weekend, the idea of being back at work feels surreal. I sit at my desk, staring blankly at the computer screen in front of me, barely registering the flurry of emails that have piled up in my inbox. My body is here, but my mind is still somewhere else—somewhere between the memory of Liam's arms wrapped around me and the question that's been gnawing at me since we parted: 'Should I go with him?'Italy. Home. The idea stirs something deep inside me. I miss it—the warm cobblestone streets, the smell of my mom's hair, the laughter of my friends. But this internship is my dream. It's everything I've worked for, and it's not over yet. This is my life now. But, God, it's hard not to wonder what it would be like to be with Liam every day, no distance, no uncertainties. Just us."Okay, spill."Rob's voice breaks through my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. He's leaning against my desk, arms crossed, his eyes alight wi
