บททั้งหมดของ The Games of the Heart: บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

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

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

I pace nervously around Stefano’s penthouse, my fingers twisting together as I try to calm my racing heart. I thought telling my parents about my pregnancy was nerve-wracking, but this is a whole new level of anxiety churning inside me.Stefano refused to see me at his office earlier. I’m sure he assumes I’m here to beg him to take me back, unaware of the real reason I need to speak with him so urgently. Thankfully, with Samuel’s help, I was able to get into Stefano’s place here in sun-drenched Sicily to wait for his return.Restless with anticipation, I wander through Stefano’s penthouse to pass the time, my heels clicking against the polished floors. Though I’ve never been here before, I’m eager to drink in every detail of the space he inhabits.I start in the sleek, modern kitchen, trailing my fingers along the cool marble countertops. Stainless steel appliances gleam under the recessed lighting, everything pristine and precise, much like the man himself. I can almost picture him m

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,

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