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CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
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2024-11-04 12:00:51관련 챕터
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
The maids arrive a moment later, serving dinner. We’ve barely taken three bites before Dad speaks, his voice deceptively casual.“So, Stefano, does your family approve of your relationship with Andrea?” He glances at me before shifting his gaze back to Stefano.“Yes, they do. My mother was even sad to see her leave the last time she was in Sicily,” Stefano replies with a small smile.Dad’s eyes narrow. “Hmm, I thought I knew your family. But seeing that they accepted Andrea, I guess I don’t.”The hidden meaning in his words hangs heavy in the air. Stefano’s voice is carefully controlled as he asks, “What do you mean by that, Uncle Pedro?”Dad’s response is like a slap to the face. “Well... I mean, my daughter is beautiful, which explains how she seduced you and could be your mistress. But the girlfriend of the future, Don? That, I’m surprised she pulled off.”“Dad!” I exclaim shock and hurt coursing through me.“Pedro!” Mom gasps, her face mirroring my disbelief.Stefano releases a da
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
After Mom leaves, I finish packing, my mind still reeling from the confrontation with my father. Just as I'm about to walk out, a soft knock interrupts my thoughts. "Come in," I call, and Sarah, our longtime maid, steps inside."Good day, Miss," she greets me with a warm smile that immediately puts me at ease. "Hello Sarah, what can I do for you?" "Mr. Santiago is downstairs, asking for your permission to enter the house." Confusion furrows my brow. "Why would he need my permission? It's his father's house, too." Sarah's expression turns sympathetic. "He knows that, Miss. But he wants to ensure you don't leave once he comes in, like you have every other time he's tried to talk to you."I sigh, remembering all the times Santiago has tried to talk to me, only for me to slip out before he can get more than a few words out."I can't guarantee I'll stay," I admit. Despite my talk with Stefano, I still haven't been able to bring myself to call Santiago and offer forgiveness. Every time
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
It’s been a few days since we arrived in California, and Stefano has been working tirelessly to uncover who is responsible for the devastating warehouse fire. I took some time off work to be by his side, offering support and assistance in any way I can. But despite my best efforts, Stefano has been coming home late each night, spending long hours at the office.As I lay in bed, I toss and turn, finding it impossible to drift off without the comforting warmth of Stefano’s arms around me. It’s surprising how quickly I’ve grown accustomed to his presence, to the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling me to sleep. Restless, I climb out of bed and pad downstairs, thinking a glass of warm milk might help soothe my racing thoughts. But as I descend the stairs, I freeze, hearing unfamiliar voices emanating from the living room. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up - something isn’t right. Stefano would have turned on the lights if he had brought guests over, but the house is shrouded in
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY
STEFANOI punch the life out of the punching bag in front of me, my knuckles bruised and covered in blood. The rhythmic thud of my fists against the leather echoes through the empty gym, drowning out the sound of my ragged breathing. I’ve lost track of time, but the fading stars and the soft glow of dawn filtering through the windows tell me I’ve been here all night.The creak of the door and the sharp click of heels against the marble floor break through my haze of anger and guilt. I don’t need to turn around to know who it is.“Stefano,” Aurora’s voice is soft, concerned. I ignore her, continuing my relentless assault on the punching bag. “You need to take a break,” she says, grabbing the bag to stop its swinging.I move wordlessly to another bag, my hands aching for the impact. Aurora follows, her designer heels incongruous in the stark gym setting. “Stefano, what happened is not your fault. Please come to the hospital and see Andrea. It might be the last time you might ever see he
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
ANDREAPain is the first thing I register as awareness slowly seeps back into my body. Every inch of me aches, a deep, throbbing reminder that I’m alive. I struggle to open my eyes, my lids feeling impossibly heavy. When I finally manage to pry them open, the world is a blur of white and muted colors.As my vision gradually clears, I find myself staring at a stark white ceiling. The sterile smell of disinfectant and the soft, rhythmic beeping of machines nearby tell me I’m in a hospital before I can even fully process my surroundings. Confusion washes over me as I try to piece together what happened. The last thing I remember was the dark, terrifying moments when I thought my life was ending. Those fragments of memory send shivers down my spine. How did I survive such a brutal beating? Or did I?I attempt to sit up, but my bandaged hands protest sharply when I try to use them for support. The pain makes me gasp, drawing attention to how parched my throat feels. As I’m taking stock of
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
I glance at my wristwatch, noting that Santiago is running a few minutes behind for our lunch date. As I wait, my mind drifts back to the whirlwind of the past month. The past four weeks feel like both an eternity and a blink of an eye since I woke up from the coma that nearly claimed my life. Physically, I've made a full recovery, and I've even returned to work. But emotionally, I'm still a tapestry of raw nerves and unhealed wounds.The moment the doctor cleared me to fly, I fled the city. I couldn't bear to stay in the place where my heart had been shattered into a million pieces. But even back home, I can't escape the ache of missing him. Night after night, tears became my lullaby as I prayed desperately that he would come back to me, that the devastating breakup in the hospital had just been a terrible nightmare. Every morning, I wake up and reach for my phone, clinging to an irrational sliver of hope to see a text or missed call from him. And every morning, the cold reality hits
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
STEFANOI stand across the street, my heart pounding as I watch her through the store window. Andrea's delicate fingers tuck a strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear as she leans over a shelve, completely absorbed. The sight of her takes my breath away, and an ache spreads through my chest. I long to hold her, to breathe in her familiar scent, but I know I can't. I shouldn't even be in the US right now, but after a month apart, the need to see her became unbearable.Time hasn't dulled my feelings; if anything, each day without her has only deepened my love. I miss the warmth of her body curled against mine as we drifted off to sleep. I yearn for those mornings when I'd wake to the aroma of her horrible breakfasts, prepared with such care. The absence of her scent on my pillow is a constant reminder of the void in my life.Unable to resist, I cross the street and enter the store, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. I watch, mesmerized, as she picks up dresses, her lips moving slig
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
I wake up on Monday morning, grateful for the distraction of work to keep my mind off Stefano. As I walk into the office, I plaster a smile on my face, determined to push through the day."Good morning, Boss," Emily greets me, her own smile faltering as she takes in my appearance. Concern etches into her features. "Boss, is something wrong? You don't look so good."I pull out my phone, glancing at my reflection. My skin is pale, and dark circles rim my eyes, but I brush off her worry. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?" I say, trying to sound nonchalant.Emily frowns, unconvinced. "You look pale and exhausted. Did you get enough sleep last night?""Yes, I did," I lie, not wanting to admit the truth—that thoughts of Stefano kept me tossing and turning all night."I think you should take the day off," Emily suggests, her voice laced with genuine concern.I force a reassuring smile. "That won't be necessary. I know I look pale and exhausted, but I'm fine, really.""Are you sure?" she presses, he
최신 업데이트 : 2024-11-04
최신 챕터
The Games of the Heart EPILOGUE-TWO
I wake up with a contented smile on my face, basking in the afterglow of a restful night's sleep. At nines months pregnant, with my due date rapidly approaching, it's become increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position that allows for uninterrupted slumber. But last night, the stars aligned, and I was blessed with the gift of deep, rejuvenating sleep.As I stretch languidly, I feel Stefano's strong arms snake around my rounded waist, pulling me closer to his sleep-warm body. He nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck, his stubble deliciously rough against my sensitive skin, and inhales deeply as if trying to absorb my very essence."Morning," I murmur, my voice still husky with sleep."Good morning, luce del Sol," Stefano replies, his lips brushing the shell of my ear and sending delightful shivers down my spine. "How was your night?""Not bad," I say, relishing the feeling of his large hand splayed protectively over the swell of my belly, his wedding band glinting in the
The Games of the Heart EPILOGUE-ONE
The warm sun caresses my skin as I step out of the car, breathing in the salty sea air. Stefano's strong hand grasps mine gently, guiding me toward the stunning villa that will be our home for the next few days. After all the stress and drama we endured with Ivan, this babymoon getaway to the Costanzo family's private island is exactly what we need.At 20 weeks pregnant, my belly is really starting to show. I rub it affectionately, feeling our little one kick inside me. Stefano smiles, placing his hand over mine. "We're here, amore mio," he whispers, his eyes shining with love and excitement.As we tour the magnificent villa, I can't help but be in awe of its beauty. The living room opens up to a glistening pool, the water sparkling invitingly under the sun. After a refreshing shower, we settle into the plush bed, the sound of waves lulling us to sleep.The following day, I awake to the tantalizing aroma of breakfast and Stefano's warm smile as he carries in a tray laden with my favor
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
We arrive back at the office after a few minutes of driving, the hum of the city a distant noise through the car windows. The sun is setting, casting a golden hue over the glass buildings and turning the streets into a labyrinth of shadows. I walk into my office, the familiar scent of polished wood and the faint aroma of coffee lingering in the air. I take my seat behind my mahogany desk, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders.I’m about to open a document and start reading when I feel the cold press of metal against my neck, the sudden chill sending a shiver down my spine.“Hello, krasivy,” Ivan’s voice rasps, his foul breath fanning across my skin, making my stomach churn.“Hello, Ivan,” I reply, my voice steady despite the fear knotting in my chest. I reach for my gun in the drawer but stop as he speaks again.“Do not even think about it,” he warns, taking my gun with a casual ease. “I have missed you like crazy these past few weeks. Did you miss me?”I turn to look at him,
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-THREE
I settle into the chair in the warehouse meeting room, my hand unconsciously resting on my slightly swollen belly. At fifteen weeks pregnant, the changes in my body are subtle - noticeable to me but not yet obvious to others. I push thoughts of the baby aside, focusing on the task at hand.“Tell me, Fred, how are we doing?” I ask the man Santiago hired to help me ruin Ivan.“We have destroyed a good number of his restaurants here in the US. The Costanzo family is also doing an excellent job with his businesses in Europe. Good is what I would say, Ma’am.”“That’s good to hear. Has he visited any of the places we’ve destroyed?”“No, he hasn’t.”“None?” I ask, a little shocked.“Yes, none.”“That is odd. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he comes out of his hiding place.”“I believe so, too.”“Hopefully soon. We can end here for today. Thank you.”“You are welcome, Ma’am,” he says, leaving the meeting room.I follow him once I gather my things, my mind racing with the implicatio
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
A week or two has passed since I returned to Miami, the familiarity of home providing a small measure of comfort amidst the grief that still clings to me like a second skin. Work has been a welcome distraction, the routine of the office offering a semblance of normalcy in a world that feels irrevocably changed. And through it all, the tiny life growing inside me has been my anchor, a constant reminder of the love Stefano and I shared.Today, I find myself at our gang's headquarters, a place I rarely frequent due to Dad's desire to keep me out of our mafia business. I am on my way to Santiago's office."How are you doing, Sis?" Santiago greets me as I enter, his eyes searching my face for signs of the pain I've become so adept at hiding."I'm doing well," I reply, sinking into the chair across from him. "And you?"He nods, a flicker of understanding passing between us. "I'm good. I have what you asked for." He slides a file across the desk, the innocuous manila belying the significance
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE
Three weeks have passed since Stefano's death, and the pain still feels as raw as the day I learned of his fate. Sometimes, I catch myself pretending he's just away on a long trip, that he'll walk through the door any moment with that crooked smile I loved so much. But reality always crashes back, leaving me breathless with grief.Today, I'm heading to the airport to fly back to Miami. Stefano's funeral was a week ago, a blur of black clothes and tear-stained faces. I cried so much that day I feared for our baby's well-being. But our little one is strong, just like their father. I'm determined to take care of myself and this precious life growing inside me. It's what Stefano would have wanted.As I descend the stairs, my hand trailing along the smooth banister, Aurora's voice breaks through my reverie. "Are you ready to go?""Yes, I am," I reply, reaching the last step. The maid follows behind with my final bag, a bittersweet reminder that I'm leaving this place that holds so many mem
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SEVENTY
Later that night, Thomas arrives at my room with a bulletproof vest in hand. My heart races as I realize what this means—I'm going with them. Aurora joins us, her presence a comforting reassurance that she'll be by my side, keeping me safe in the car.As we arrive at the location where we suspect Stefano might be held, an eerie silence hangs in the air. Aurora and I wait in the car, our hands clasped together, as Thomas leads a group of men into the abandoned building. The minutes drag on, each second an eternity of uncertainty.Suddenly, Thomas emerges from the building, his face contorted with rage. He kicks the car tires, a guttural scream of agony tearing from his throat."What's wrong?" I ask, my voice trembling as I step out of the car."Nothing," he replies, his eyes avoiding mine.Aurora comes to stand beside me, her presence a steadying force. "Did you find Stefano?""No, we didn't," Thomas admits, anger seething beneath his words."What did you find inside that has you so wo
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
It's been a few days since I witnessed that horrifying video of Ivan torturing the love of my life. The images haunt me, seared into my mind like a cruel brand. I try to stay strong for the tiny life growing inside me, but it's a constant battle. Every time the memories resurface, tears flow unbidden, and my thoughts spiral into the dark abyss of what horrors Stefano might be enduring at Ivan's merciless hands.In a desperate attempt to find him, I tried calling the number Ivan used to contact me that fateful day. But it was a futile effort - the calls never connected. He must have used a burner phone, discarding it the moment our conversation ended. The video itself arrived on a phone Ivan mailed to me, a calculated move to avoid leaving a digital trail. As much as I loathe him, I can't deny his cunning. Had he sent it via email or social media, tracing the device back to him would have been far easier.The Costanzo family has been relentless in their search for Stefano, mobilizing e
The Games of the Heart CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
The sun hangs high in the Sicilian sky as I sit in the Costanzo estate's opulent living room, my packed bags waiting for Stefano. The baby and I are doing fine, but today, I'm leaving Sicily. Stefano plans to send me to Singapore until it's safe for the baby and me to return to Sicily or Miami. Nobody knows where I am going except Stefano and me. We all felt it would be safer that way; even my mom doesn't know.Aurora's entrance breaks my reverie. "I'm going to miss you," she says, her voice thick with emotion."Me too," I reply, fighting back the lump in my throat."Hopefully, Stefano will deal with Vladimir soon, so it will be safe for you to be around us again," Aurora adds, her eyes reflecting a mix of hope and worry.I nod, glancing at my wristwatch for the second time in twenty minutes. Anxiety gnaws at my insides. "Did Stefano tell you anything to pass on to me?" I ask, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.Aurora's brow furrows. "No, was he supposed to?""Not really,
