All Chapters of The Games of the Heart: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

ANDREAI release a sigh of relief, closing my eyes as I bask in the gentle warmth of the morning sun. I love the sun. My serene Moment is abruptly shattered as my irritating brother shoves me aside in his haste to descend the stairs of our private jet."You couldn’t wait, could you, asshole?" I retort, my tone dripping with exasperation."Wait for you to continue pretending we've arrived at our vacation destination?" he counters, rolling his eyes. Ladies and gentlemen, meet my brother, Santiago. Standing at a towering six feet with a well-built physique that drives countless girls wild, he's the epitome of an annoyance. We both inherited our dad's dark brown hair and ocean-blue eyes, though thankfully not his impatient attitude."That's not what I was doing. I was just trying to enjoy Sicily's morning sun before we head to the meeting. I don't see anything wrong with that," I explain, shrugging my shoulders before descending the stairs."I don't care, just get in the car. The Costanzos

With the deal finalized and my flight set for later in the evening, I make my way to Aurora's office for a final lunch before I leave. Her office is situated in a sleek, modern building, its glass facade gleaming under the Sicilian sun. As I step inside, the cool air offers a welcome relief from the warmth outside, and the sound of my shoes tapping against the polished marble floors echoes in the airy lobby. The receptionist greets me with a warm smile. She kindly directs me to the 66th floor, where Aurora's office awaits.The elevator zooms upward and dings open to reveal Aurora's office. I knock gently before letting myself in."Hey there," I greet her with a smile as I step into her office."Babe, you're here!" She exclaims, though her smile seems tired. Papers are strewn across her desk haphazardly."I thought you said you were ready," I remark, standing before her desk.Aurora sighs, rubbing her temples. "I was, but then Stefano's secretary went into early labor. With the replacem

I step out of the mall, my arms laden with shopping bags, a mix of designer labels and high-end boutique purchases. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the parking lot as I make my way to my car. It's been weeks since our return from Sicily. I had hoped that my father would finally recognize my potential and give me more responsibilities at the office, especially since I didn't cause any trouble for Santiago during our time there. However, much to my dismay, nothing has changed. It is as if my efforts and achievements have gone unnoticed, leaving me feeling invisible and undervalued.In an attempt to distract myself from the gnawing sense of disappointment, I decided to spend the day indulging in a shopping spree, using my father's money. I know that the amount I spend won't even make a dent in his vast fortune, but a part of me hopes that the constant pings of the transactions will serve as a reminder of my existence. It is a petty move, driven by a desire to be acknowledged

The next day, with a heart heavy with unspoken words and a resolve as unyielding as the California cliffs, I board our private jet to the Golden State. I am determined not to give that man—the one who never wanted me—the satisfaction of seeing me falter. Despite the turmoil churning within me, I am resolute to stand tall. I arrive at the Costanzo Hotel, a bastion of luxury, where I ensure everything is going according to plan before heading to the Costanzo family office in California.It is a little late in the evening. I am going now because there was a lot. I had to check at the hotel site. After a brief drive, I pay the taxi driver and step into the building.The office building looms above, its glass facade reflecting the night sky. I push through the revolving doors into a lobby that's quiet at this late hour, save for the soft click of my shoes on the polished stone floor. As I approach, the receptionist looks up from her desk, her face brightening with recognition. I inform her

An hour later, I am back in my hotel room, exhausted to my core. All I want is to collapse into bed and sleep for days, but of course, that’s when my phone starts ringing incessantly. I groan and check the caller ID, surprised to see it’s Mama.“Hello, Mama,” I say, trying to inject some energy into my voice.“Hello Dear, how are you doing?” Her warm, familiar voice wraps around me.“Not so good, to be honest. How about you?” I sink onto the bed.“I am fine, but what’s wrong, sweetheart?” Concern laces her words.“I’ve been having awful cramps all day, and Stefano has been an absolute nightmare to work with.”“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. Why don’t you tell me all about it at lunch.”I laugh humorlessly. “Mama, how? You’re in Miami, and I’m stuck here in California.”“You’ll see,” she says mysteriously. A knock sounds at the door. “Hold on a minute, Mama, someone’s here.”I open the door, and my jaw drops. Mama is standing there, smiling at me with love shining in her eyes.“Mama! What - ho