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CHAPTER 88: EMMA
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 89: LIAM
I drive through the city streets, weaving through traffic as fast as I can without getting pulled over. Emma's phone call echoes in my mind, her voice shaking with something between anger and despair. She sounded like she was barely holding it together, and I knew I had to get to her as quickly as possible.When I finally pull up to the address she gave me, I see her standing outside a small café. She looks pale, her arms wrapped tightly around herself like she's trying to keep from falling apart. I rush over, my heart pounding, desperate to hold her, to make everything okay, even though I know I can't."Emma," I call out, my voice barely more than a whisper. She turns to face me, and I see the tears pooling in her eyes. Before I can say another word, I pull her into my arms, holding her as tightly as I can. The tears spill over, and she buries her face into my chest, her body trembling with each sob. I feel my own eyes stinging, guilt and anger warring inside me.How did we get here?
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 90: EMMA
Ever since moving out of Liam's beach house, I've been staying with Odette in her quaint apartment. It's a cozy space filled with plants and pastel-colored furniture—everything Odette is: vibrant, lively, and comforting. I've been trying to piece myself back together, focusing on anything other than the whirlwind of emotions and the mess that is my life. Every morning, I wake up with a tightness in my chest, a blend of anxiety and hope. Today, however, feels different.I stretch under the soft, floral-patterned duvet, trying to shake off the grogginess of sleep. As I reach for my phone on the nightstand, I see an unread email notification that makes my heart skip a beat. I blink twice to make sure I'm not imagining things. The email is from my favorite art gallery in New York—Gallery Blue. With trembling hands, I open it.Dear Emma Conti,We are pleased to inform you that after reviewing your application and portfolio, we would like to offer you an internship position at Gallery Blue
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 91: LIAM
Since Emma left for New York, a cloud of emptiness has settled over me. I knew her leaving would be tough, but not this hard. Part of me feels relieved that she's away from all the chaos my family has caused. She deserves a fresh start, a chance to rediscover herself without the shadow of the Carusos looming over her. Still, every day without her feels like a part of me is missing. I need to focus on the one thing I can control: finding out the truth behind the mess my family has caused.Today is the day I finally confront my mother. I've avoided this for too long, burying my head in the sand, hoping things would somehow resolve themselves. But Emma's discovery changed everything. I owe it to her, to Matteo and Enzo, and even to myself, to get to the bottom of this.I head to my mother's office, my mind swirling with thoughts. Isabella Caruso doesn't just sit around at home, even though she could if she wanted to. She practically runs the family's empire, always managing something, an
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 92: EMMA
The hustle and bustle of New York City is unlike anything I've ever experienced. The constant noise, the hurried pace, the overwhelming sense of being in a place that never sleeps—it's all a shock to my system. I've been here for a few days now, trying to adjust to the culture shock and the drastic change from the life I knew back home. It's a whirlwind, and sometimes, I feel like I'm just barely keeping up.My new apartment is small, just a studio really, but it's in a decent neighborhood, and I've already made it my own with a few personal touches—some art pieces I couldn't bear to leave behind, a cozy throw blanket, and a small collection of plants. It's my little sanctuary in this massive, chaotic city, and I'm grateful for it.But today, I can't hide in my sanctuary. It's my first day at the art gallery where I'll be interning for the next six months. I'm both excited and nervous as I get ready, choosing a simple yet professional outfit. I want to make a good impression, but I'm
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 93: LIAM
The days blur into weeks after Emma leaves for New York. Time passes, but I feel like I'm stuck in some sort of limbo, drifting aimlessly without a clear direction. My life has always been about control—controlling my surroundings, my image, my emotions. But now, with Emma gone and the weight of my family's secrets pressing down on me, everything feels out of control.I try to bury myself in work, hoping that the familiar routine of meetings, contracts, and deals will help me forget the chaos. But it's no use. Every time I close my eyes, I see Emma's face, the hurt in her eyes when she told me about the evidence, the way her voice trembled when she said goodbye. She's gone, and it's for the best, but it feels like a piece of me has been ripped away.The confrontation with my mother left me more confused than ever. Isabella's cold, detached confession plays on a loop in my mind. She admitted to the affair but claimed innocence in the disappearances. I want to believe her—desperately, I
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 94: EMMA
New York's breeze nips at my face as I step out of my tiny apartment, blending into the crowd of fast-paced city life. Two weeks here, and I still feel like I'm pretending to be someone else. Everyone seems to know where they're going, and what they're doing, while I'm just… figuring it out as I go along.It's funny—moving here felt like a fresh start, but the truth is, it's hard to shake the past. Every time I walk through those gallery doors, I throw myself into the art, hoping it'll keep my mind busy. But thoughts of Liam are always there. I try not to think about the last time we saw each other. The confrontation. The goodbye.I shake the thought away as I approach the gallery. Today's going to be different. It HAS to be different. I remind myself I'm here to grow, to live my dream.The gallery is bustling with people as usual. I greet Rob at the entrance, the one person who's made this whole transition easier. He's waiting for me with his usual dramatic flair, arms crossed, and s
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 95: LIAM
There are moments when life spirals beyond your control, and you're left watching the wreckage unfold. That's exactly how I feel. Every step I take seems to push me deeper into the abyss.The house is too quiet. The kind of silence that presses in, forcing you to face everything you'd rather ignore. Emma isn't here, and her absence gnaws at me more than I want to admit. Every corner of this house reminds me of her—the sound of her laugh, the way she used to hum under her breath when she thought no one was listening.But she's gone. And maybe it's for the best.I tell myself that a hundred times a day. Maybe she's better off away from me and the tangled mess of my family's secrets. But knowing that doesn't make it any easier.I walk to the window, looking out at the ocean. The waves crash against the shore, relentless. Unforgiving. It mirrors how everything in my life has been since this investigation began. Every day, we dig up more dirt, more lies, more betrayals, and I can't help bu
Last Updated : 2024-10-29THE MARRIAGE GAME CHAPTER 96: EMMA
The night is a blur of neon lights, laughter, and Rob's dramatic arm gestures as he recounts his latest dating disaster. We've been at this rooftop bar for hours, surrounded by the New York skyline, and I've completely lost track of time. The gallery crew is fun, especially after a few cocktails, and Rob's sass makes everything even more entertaining."Honey," Rob slurs, leaning over to me with a playful grin, "I swear, if you don't start living a little, I'm gonna kidnap you for a weekend in the Hamptons. You're too uptight, darling. Way too uptight."I giggle, my cheeks warm from the alcohol. "I'm living! This is living, right?"Rob throws his head back and laughs. "Oh sweetie, this is barely the start. But you're cute. We'll get you there."The drinks keep flowing, and by the time I decide I should probably head home, I'm beyond tipsy. The group disperses, every one promising to meet up again soon, but I can barely focus on where my keys are, let alone coordinate a second night out
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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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
