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CHAPTER 7: EMMA
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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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
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 9: LIAM
I hear scrambling as I’m about to leave. What’s all the fuss about?I move to the room where the noise is coming from, it appears to be the same room Emma walked into.Oh no, what a nightmare.Serena’s fist is in Emma’s hair, as Emma’s is in hers. They’re both scrambling at each other, tears stream down Emma’s face, she’s confused, angry and hurt.The place is a scene, Serena screaming obscene words at Emma, the staff are trying to break them up.“What is happening here?!” I finally say.They all stop to look at me, Serena is furious, I’m surprised she’s here and that she knows Emma is, and that she also knows I’m married to her, unless…That explains the smug look on Mother’s face earlier, she probably had us tailed and informed Serena, her own way of ‘not getting her hands dirty’.“You.” Serena starts, she gets up and walks to me. “How could you?” she fake sobs.Pity tears, I get them a lot. I don’t have the energy for this this morning.“Let’s talk in private, Serena.”“You know he
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 10: EMMA
I’ve been in this house for a week without leaving. I stare at my father’s diary, trying to decide what to do with the new information I’ve just found.I just read a significant entry, my father mentioned my uncle and a fallout regarding a ‘deal’ made earlier.It can’t be nothing, this deal is so crucial that it leads to my father falling out with his brother, and luckily for me, his name was revealed.Matteo Conti, my uncle. He shouldn’t be so hard to find right? How many Matteo Contis could there be in this city?I pace back and forth in my room, how do I find him?Wait, social media. Yes, yes, yes.I plop on my bed and pull out my laptop, Facebook.The social media app for their generation.I search ‘Matteo Conti’, many names pop up. Well, fuck.I spend the next minutes looking at their profiles, one was a high school kid, one a gay rights activist, another an 80 year old man with only a picture of his wife and dog posted, I found that cute. One was a young professor, another seeme
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 11: LIAM
Emma isn’t back yet. I came home early today expecting to meet her, but she isn’t here.Hmm.I told the security to alert me when she gets back as I remain in my study. I wonder what’s keeping her out this late. Is she safe?I can’t risk her getting exposed to the media, or worse, what if Mother or Serena did something?Why do I care this much? Of course, I should. It’s natural to care about someone’s safety as a normal human being with empathy. After all, she’s my wife. If anything were to happen to her, that means I’ve lost the battle against Mother, and I have broken the promise I made to Emma.Well, I’m not a loser and I always keep my promises. So, yes, as a good businessman, concern is my top priority.My phone rings, it’s the security.“She’s heading into the house now,” he says.I end the call and head to the stairs immediately.She sees me and attempts to walk past me, but I grab her arm.She looks at my hand on her arm first, then to me, and back to my hand. Her defiant look
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 12: EMMA
Is Liam Caruso…jealous?No way, impossible.I try to avoid the incoming gazes as a result of his loud enough declaration mere seconds ago.My hair is packed in a braided bun, leaving my neck and shoulder exposed, the mask hides most of my face, but my bodily features are here for them to see."Who is she?" I gather from the countless whispers.My breathing rises, and the panic attacks I usually used to get are back, I thought I had gotten rid of them.I place my hand on my chest and nervously look around, they're all wearing masks but I can feel their cold stares, judging, inquisitive."Are you okay miss…Mrs. Caruso?" Marco asks and places his hands on my shoulders, in an attempt to soothe me. I can feel the sarcastic bite in his tone, mocking me.They're all mocking me, watching me, judging me, they see me as… oh my God.Emma calm down, breathe in breathe out.I fling Marco's hands off and walk out, I need fresh air.I need to be alone, away from their prying eyes.I make my way to a
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 13: LIAM
It's been some minutes since Emma walked out and Marco went after her. I should not be as bothered as I am, but I am.Of all people she had to be with, it's that fucker, with his smug face, always thinking he's better than me."Liam." a familiar voice drawls.It's Amber Luciano, wife to the former Chief-of-The-Defence staff, Admiral Giuseppe Luciano. A British musician with distant cousins in the royal family.Her husband is forty years older than her, but his fortune and name could last her three centuries.She clutched her husband's arm but called my name seductively, a strategy I was used to.Young girls marrying men old enough to be their grandfather for money and seeking out younger, attractive men to be their sex toys, Amber pulls the same tricks at every event.She's annoyingly persistent."Ah, Admiral." I nod in respect to her husband. "Amber, good evening."Her green eyes darken as she sweeps over my look, her eyes remind me of a snake eyeing its prey. Ironically, she wore th
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 14: EMMA
I never expected this from Liam, and he looks proud.Marco stands from the ground and wipes his lip but he doesn't look like he wants to land another blow.He spits out blood, nods to me, and walks out, leaving Liam and I alone.That was very respectable of him, even though he probably did it to wound Liam's ego.After a moment of silence, Liam doesn't look at me nor does he utter a word.I say nothing to him either and head out as well, there's nothing worth saying anyway.That night back home, I stared at Tasha's number, unsure if I should call now, if I did, what could I say?After a while of pacing up and down, practicing scenarios, and seriously contemplating, I dial the number, and if she doesn't pick up after the third ring, I'll hang up.She picks up after the second ring."Hello?" she says."Hi, Natasha, it's me, Emma."Silence."Text me," she says and hangs up.I feel so stupid for not thinking of texting her first.Oh Emma, you big big idiot.I send her the first message:E
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 15: LIAM
We finally arrive at Capetown after hours on air, Emma is very tired.The truth is, I didn't plan to ask her to come with me from the start the thought had just come into my head that morning and unlike me, I brought it up immediately.Half of me expected her to argue as usual, the other half hoped she would agree quickly without fuss, no matter how delusional I seemed at the moment.Why did I ask her to come? Pity? Loneliness? To show off? I don't know, but I did.And now, she walks by my side, her hair ruffled from sleeping the last hours of the flight through. I give myself a pat on the back mentally, the flight must have been so comfortable for her to sleep with such ease.All thanks to me.I, on the other hand, didn't bat an eye throughout and yes, I'm very tired. But, I can't sleep knowing I'm surrounded by so many people, I'd hate to experience my nightmares and people finding out… or, history repeating itself."It was a nice flight," Emma says, interrupting me from my thoughts
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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
