All Chapters of The Games of the Heart: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

It’s been a few days since Aurora’s birthday. I haven’t left Sicily, lost in thought, my heart torn about whether I should forgive Stefano. Getting that heartfelt apology and tender kiss from him was everything I had dreamt of for so long. But now, faced with the reality of it, I find myself utterly confused about how to respond. Is his gesture, his words, enough for me to finally forgive him and take a chance on building something real together? Honestly, I don’t have a clue.As I lie in bed, my mind swirling with conflicting emotions, a sudden knock at the door jolts me from my reverie. Climbing out of bed, I pad over and open it, my eyes widening in surprise to see Stefano standing there. I thought he had said he would give me time and space to process everything, so why is he here now? And is that... fur on his shoulder?“Can I...” he begins, but his words are abruptly cut off by a loud, explosive sneeze that makes me jump. That’s when my gaze falls to the pet carrier at his feet.

It’s been an hour or two since we arrived at the club, and Aurora is now completely drunk, barely able to stand on her own two feet. We’re waiting outside for Stefano to pick us up, the cool night air a welcome respite from the stuffy, smoke-filled interior of the club. I had called him earlier, knowing that neither of us was in any condition to drive.Throughout the night, Aurora didn’t bring up the forced marriage again, and I found myself wondering if I should tell Stefano about it. I know he would try to handle it in his own way, but I couldn’t see the situation ending well, no matter what he did. At the same time, the thought of Aurora being forced to marry someone against her will made my stomach churn with unease.I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the sound of a car pulling up in front of us. Stefano steps out, his brow furrowed with concern as he takes in Aurora’s drunken state. “How much did she drink?” he asks, rushing over to her and wrapping an arm around her waist to keep

My eyes flutter open, squinting against the bright sunlight slipping into my room through the open curtains I forgot to close last night. I stretch languidly, my body deliciously sore in all the right places. Rolling over, I reach for him, but my hand meets only empty sheets, the space beside me cold. A pang of disappointment tightens my chest as I realize he’s not here. I wonder where he is, but I push the thought aside for now. With a sigh, I climb out of bed, wincing slightly at the soreness between my thighs. Memories of last night flood my mind, bringing a blush to my cheeks as I make my way to the bathroom.The hot shower soothes my aching muscles but does little to ease the ache in my heart. After dressing, I head downstairs, my stomach grumbling. I’d missed breakfast, so I decide to make myself some grilled cheese - the only thing I know how to cook without burning the house down.Before starting, I stop by Aurora’s room to check on her, but she’s not there. I send her a quick

A few days have passed since my lunch with Ivan. I’ve debated telling Stefano about it, but given his tendency to act rashly when it comes to Ivan, I decided to hold off until I was certain about how to approach the situation.Those thoughts fade to the background as the car comes to a halt. Tonight is my inauguration Gala as the new COO of Lopez Constructions. I still can’t quite believe it. Dad had no choice but to accept me as Santiago’s choice, given that I hadn’t made a single misstep with any of the projects under my care. But his threat to remove me at the first sign of failure still echoes in my mind. I’m determined not to give him that chance. If anything, I’ll make him see that Santiago’s decision was the best one possible.I step out of the car, smoothing down my gold tulle dress. The intricate embroidery and beads stream vertically down the fabric, catching the light with every movement. Fringy éclats adorn the waistline and sleeves, adding a touch of glamour and sophistica

ANDREA Once we arrive at the club, Emily and I make a beeline for the bar, eager to kick off our night with a few shots. The alcohol burns pleasantly as it goes down, and I can already feel the welcome warmth spreading through my veins, loosening my limbs and quieting the ache in my chest. My mind flashes briefly to the devastating actions of my father earlier, his lack of remorse in his eyes as he crushed my feelings. But I forcefully push those thoughts aside, determined to lose myself in the pulsing beat of the music and the buzz of the liquor. Right now is about forgetting, about drowning my sorrows until the sharp edges of my heartbreak are blurred and numbed. “Do you want to dance?” Emily shouts, her voice barely carrying over the pulsing beat and raucous chatter of the packed club. Her eyes, though glassy from the tequila, still hold shadows of pain from her earlier conversation with Santiago.“Yes,” I yell back, tossing back one last shot for liquid courage before allowing h