"I'm going nowhere near your psycho mother," I burst at Liam's news.What? In Tuscany? So that she could finally kill me and bury me off for good? He wants me to willingly walk into the lion's den? Or, lioness in this case.Anyway…no, never. I know she was behind that media outrage, outing me to the media was ridiculously petty, beyond her, and extremely outrageous."Please Emma, I need you there," Liam pleads and I take in the sight of it, that's a rare sight."Does she even want me there?" I rub my forehead."You know the truth, but she has no choice because you're family now."I eye him, the pleading looks in his eyes and consider for even a moment."Who else will be there? Any other family member I should be worried about?" I sigh.He smiles a little before replying, "Enzo, his wife Linda, and Adelina. Yes, she'll be home this weekend."My ears lit at the sound of Adelina's name. Oh, how I've missed that little brat!"Adelina will be expecting you. She's the reason I insisted you
Did I hurt her that much? It's midnight and she's not back.After pacing back and forth for the past hour while also thinking of all the worst possible scenarios she may be in, I decided to call her.Her phone rings, but she doesn't answer. I panic.Should I send out a search squad? We're meant to travel today, let her be safe, please.I know it's selfish of someone like me to ask, but she has to be okay. Where could she possibly be??After some more fiddling, I decide to call again maybe for the sixth time tonight, this time by 1:43 am, she doesn't pick still.Fuck!I call again, I won't give up. Never.Finally, she picks up, but it's not her."Liam," A female voice slurs from the phone."Who is this?" I ask, trying my best to be calm."Me silly! Odette, duh," She giggles.Odette? Huh?"Where's Emma?""Right here, she's like so wasted, you have to come get her ASAP," she says.Fuck, I hope she hasn't attracted some trouble with this behavior tonight.I sigh, grabbing my keys, and jac
I feel like shit.My head is spinning, I feel sick and I have little recollection of last night.Well shit, I need to drink something, for this hell of a hangover.I manage to get up, holding my head from the throbbing ache, and then to the bathroom. Well, I smell like shit and puke.Oh my God, did I puke…on him last night? Fuck, this is so embarrassing.I get flashes of last night, just how many tequila shots did we have again? Yes, Liam came to pick me up last night, I remember him lifting me…Wait a minute, what about the girls? Did they get home safe?I rush to get my phone and dial Odette, she picks up after the second ring."Hey," I manage to say, my head killing me. "Did you all get home safe?""Ugh, I feel like shit," she groans."Same. Plus, I can't remember shit," I slide to the bathroom floor."Well, uh, Antonio came to get Gia and Natasha, not long after Liam arrived. He dropped me home."I sigh in relief, "Okay, great. Call you later?""Yup, bye love."I end the call, rel
I've decided not to ask Mother what she meant by her ending statement during that dinner. There's no way he knows about the contract, and even if she suspects, which she obviously would, it's still absurd that she'd know the exact contents, including the expiry date of the contract.If I ask, I would be confirming it. Regardless of how she might have gotten that information, it has nothing to do with me, with us, Emma, and I, we just need to play our roles perfectly.Speaking of roles, Emma doesn't need to know about this, at all. If she finds out my mother may know about our deal, she'll get too concerned about what she might do with that information.I look at her, she's seated with Adelina, watching a movie. She looks happy and laughs once in a while. I'm happy she's easing up a bit.She's calm and stress-free when with Adelina, and the same goes for Adelina as well, I'm grateful for their companionship.The flight is short, and we arrive in about 30 minutes. I enjoy my own company
Tuscany.The last time I was here was about six years ago, and it was for a job. I was an intern assistant to some rookie model who eventually fell off.I'm glad she did anyway, she was too rude.Back then I'd never imagined myself to be back here, not as a desperate young girl, but as the wife to the wealthiest heir in Italy and Europe's elite.I'm here in the Caruso estate in Tuscany, everything here screams luxury, class, everything expensive.After dinner, I decided to go on a walk, when everyone was tucked back in their rooms. I couldn't gawk like a peasant at the beauty of this place in front of everyone, at least I could do it now, without them around.The night air was cool as I stepped out onto the terrace, finally getting a chance to take it all in. Liam's family estate was impressive during the day, but at night, it was something else entirely. The moonlight made everything look even more magical like I was in a movie.The villa itself was like something out of an old Itali
The sun is already climbing in the sky as I stand by the car, mentally running through the details of the vineyard visit. But when Emma steps out of the villa, all thoughts of business vanish.She's wearing a floral sundress, the kind that's simple yet elegant, fitting her like it was made just for her. The soft fabric flutters slightly in the breeze, drawing my attention to the way it moves with her. Her olive-tan skin is glowing under the sunlight, and there's this natural shimmer that makes her look almost radiant. Her dark hair catches the light, making it appear even softer than usual.I try to focus on anything else, but my gaze keeps drifting back to her. There's something about the way she looks this morning, something that makes it hard to look away. Her skin seems to glisten in the sunlight, highlighting the natural warmth of her complexion. It's like she belongs here, in this place, under this sky.She catches me looking, and for a moment, our eyes lock. There's a small, al
Liam seems more way into character today.I know I didn't overthink or stretch things from the way he looked at me before the vineyard tour.He was literally taking me in, eyeing me from head to toe, so deliciously, that my body felt hot, and even now and then he kept sneaking glances at me. When he does this, he confuses me.I know I shouldn't expect anything, this is a contract marriage after all, which will end sooner or later, but these damn signals, and these feelings in my chest I can't explain.He's defended me twice already in front of his scary mother, Isabella Caruso, the Italian Money Maven, in the most honorable ways possible.The last time he defended me, during the tour, I wanted to stop time and jump into his arms, to kiss him 'cause he looked so fucking hot at that moment. He knows how to put me in heat.At this point I don't know how long I can suppress these hot feelings, even now as I sit in my room, I can't help but wonder how Liam's feeling, what he's thinking of
"Liam," Mother says as she walks in, her voice smooth and commanding. "We need to talk."I look up from my desk, trying to mask my irritation. "What is it, Mother?"She sits down gracefully, a practiced smile on her face that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I had a little chat with Emma last night."My interest piques, but I keep my tone neutral. "Oh?""Yes," she continues, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "She was out admiring the estate. It's amusing to see someone so fascinated by our world. I suppose it's charming in a way, though I doubt she fully understands the significance of it all."Her words sting, but I keep my composure. "What exactly did you discuss with her?"Mother's smile tightens. "Oh, nothing of consequence. Just observing how she seems so... enthralled. I do hope she realizes that there are expectations that come with being part of this family."There's a subtle edge in her voice, a hint that Emma might have been put in her place. I don't like the way Mother talks
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 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 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 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
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
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
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 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
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