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CHAPTER 23: LIAM
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THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 24: EMMA
Adelina."A teenager in our home for a month? I'm sorry but can't you keep her with mother?" Liam bites his steak angrily."My sister is…" Enzo clears his throat "…scary." Fair point."No." Liam says "And your wife's relatives?"He's overreacting. "I don't think it's a bad idea." I butt him.He looks at me, welcoming my challenge. "You'll take care of her?""Take care? She's a teenager, not a toddler, how hard can it be? Besides, it's only for a month, don't be such a puss." I offer a sweet, sarcastic smile and sip my wine."It's settled then, I am so grateful." Enzo grins."Nothing's settled." Liam is talking to Enzo but his eyes are glued on me. "We have to draw up some terms.""Terms? What do you think this is? Some sort of business contract?" I scoff."If you have a problem…" he turns to his uncle "…then Adelina can stay with her mother's relatives.""No no. They talk too much, I'll just have her in the same situation I'm trying to avoid. I don't want her to be affected by her Ma'
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 25: LIAM
"I have a date planned for you, and you have no choice but to show up." Mother says.She interrupts my afternoon with this disturbing news and my patience is running thin."No, thanks. I won't cheat on my wife.""To hell with that lame excuse." She clicks her foot. "If Serena isn't to your taste, then you'll need someone better.""Given up on your favorite already? Ouch." I biteShe ignores my statement and continues, "Odette Morel, daughter of the French diplomat, is a perfect fit, her father is willing to ignore your careless mistake of a marriage."She has to be kidding me, "Forget it. Don't waste their time further.""This is an opportunity men would kill for. Can't you see the extent to which I am prepared to go? For the sake of this family? For the sake of our stronghold? Can't you see the sacrifices I make?!"Yes, I am well aware of how far you can go. I am constantly reminded of the evil, dirty things you have trampled under your foot, my trauma is built on your 'sacrifices'.
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 26: EMMA
"Don't you have any friends? All you do is mope around and stick your nose in those unrealistic novels, ugh!"I just looked at Adelina, unsure what to say to her, why are kids these days too loud?"And you, do you normally say EVERYTHING on your mind?" I bite back, call me petty, I don't care."It's a talent, I just say what's on everyone's mind, and I also know when to shut up, most people these days don't," she says with so much sass."No, you don't, you're interrupting our quiet time," Liam speaks, looking up from his book."Hmph," she glares at her cousin. "You both are home on the weekend, no friends, doing nothing fun, but reading, you suit each other."I gasp at her outrage and look to Liam for help, they both possess the same trait of stubbornness after all, why do I have to be dragged into this?"You have no friends either, because if you did, then you wouldn't be here bothering us," Liam says.I smile at his response, I'm enjoying this."I DO have friends," she waves her pho
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 27: LIAM
Dinner time is here and Emma still isn't here, could I have gone too far? She left rather abruptly.With one bite, I can't help but look out at the door, now I'm stuck with this gremlin who can't put her phone down for a second.She laughs at TikTok videos and sings along to almost every video that plays, it's annoying.She's too similar to her father, and how I miss my peace."Miss her?" she asks and I turn to her.She has a playful, teasing look on her face and I hate it I'm never having kids."Who?" I play dumb, keeping my expression plain."Who?" she mocks my voice "Who else? Your mom? Emma duh."No one talks to me like that, I don't care if she's a kid, she's too sharp-mouthed."Mind yourself," I warn.She shrugs, "Call her then, she's late after all."Maybe the kid is right, she's a Caruso now, staying out too late may pose some threats to her, and, as her husband there should be some concern from my side.After giving it some thought, I decide not to call her, "Call her yoursel
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 28: EMMA
I'm a tad too excited to meet Natasha, we've been delaying our meeting for weeks now, and I'm itching to hear what she has to say.Maybe that's why I'm here already and I stand up from my seat when I see her approach me."Hey!" she greets, pushing some of her blonde curls out of her face, "Sorry, I kept you waiting," she pants."It's fine, I'm happy you can meet with me.""And," she sits down and places her bag on the table, "I'm sorry we've been delaying this, it's been a rough couple of weeks, Antonio's getting married, and his fiancee wants something a bit grand, it's been a hassle."The big scary guy is getting married? Who's the lady who managed to tame him down?It's like Natasha read my mind because she says, "He's not so scary you know, his fiancee, Gia, she's a sweetheart and he adores her, he can do anything for her."I chuckle nervously and nod, good for them I guess."I hope that after all this, we can reunite, as a proper family and you and Antonio can have a proper intro
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 29: LIAM
"How many times must I visit you Liam?" my mother asks, her legs crossed, hair slicked to the side, and her red bottoms visible.She means business."Till you're tired and give up," I say uninterested, hoping she'd leave."You fucked up your date with Odette, the diplomat is furious," she expresses."He can hop on a plane back to France then, I'm sure there are many monsieurs glad to take her hand," the only way to play against Mother is to beat her at her sass game.It's impossible, but I must try."LIAM MICHAEL CARUSO!" She thunders."I have real work to do, and you're interrupting me Ma," I tell her."I, your mother am not satisfied with the way you've been living lately.""And, what do you mean by that?" I ask, knowing the answer."Liam. Why can't you understand that I only want the best for you? You'll realize it when you start seeing the benefits. A good partner…wife, will open the right doors for you and give you more influence," she sighs."Emma is a good wife," I reply"Oh he
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 30: EMMA
I've been nowhere but home and in the hospital for the past three days, and that doesn't stop these guards Liam stationed. I thought we were past this.I also have texts I haven't from Natasha, and a few missed calls too, she cares more than I expect her to, but now I'm confused.I retrieve my father's diary from my wardrobe, where I had stashed it earlier, maybe here are some things I might have missed out.I run my fingers over his signature on the front page, 'Damien Conte', what kind of man was he truly?He described my uncle, Matteo as a fun older brother, someone he respects and looks up to, someone he wants to make proud, most of the diary mentions Matteo, but the rest just describes some days, nothing special, and some entries talk about Mom, but I'm not sure I want to read those, I don't want a detailed expression of their…intimate life.And then, I saw my name, the only time my father ever wrote about me, he spoke of my hair.He said:"Her soft curls remind me of my mother,
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 31: LIAM
I can't get up from my bed, my head spins, why?I have to leave soon, now in fact. My mouth tastes bitter and I fear a fever coming in, nothing I haven't endured before.But with every attempt I make to stand up, I fall back on my bed, my head is throbbing, and my eyes are watery.Fuck.I try to close my eyes, maybe I just need a little more sleep, but sleep fails me.I pop a few of my pills in my mouth, gulping it down with some water, it helps me sleep a bit.I feel my eyes getting heavy, and soon, it gets dark, I know I'm about to welcome the same nightmare.But this time, she's here…"Emma?" I call.Her hair is down in cascading waves, they shape her face, and her dark brown eyes look down at me worriedly. But, why am I on the floor? Why is the sun…? The sun…I try to block it with my hands, the light is blinding."Liam!" she comes over to me, blocking the light source, I smile with relief."Emma, what am I…? What's going on?" I ask, trying to reach her face.No matter how far I s
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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
