Semua Bab THE MARRIAGE GAME: Bab 51 - Bab 60

The only reason I had agreed to this dinner is because this is the closest we'll ever have to a family gathering.I am having dinner with Mother, Enzo, his wife, or soon-to-be ex, Linda, and Adelina.Adelina is poised today, suspiciously quiet and behaved, or perhaps she doesn't want any trouble tonight, a classic move.Or, at least that's what I thought until she finally spoke."Where's Emma?" She asks, cutting into her steak.Everyone looks at her puzzled, and stunned, including Mother. Impressive."She's not a part of the family, and this is a family dinner," Mother replies curtly."Why not? Last I heard, marriage qualifies you as a family member, right mother?" She turns to look at Linda, who has a shocked expression on her face."Adelina!" Linda yells, setting down her fork."What?!" Adelina yells back. "This family is filled with hypocrisy, we sit here and pretend like the both of you aren't on the verge of divorce and like we're a normal family, and now what? The biggest issue

Did I hurt her that much? It's midnight and she's not back.After pacing back and forth for the past hour while also thinking of all the worst possible scenarios she may be in, I decided to call her.Her phone rings, but she doesn't answer. I panic.Should I send out a search squad? We're meant to travel today, let her be safe, please.I know it's selfish of someone like me to ask, but she has to be okay. Where could she possibly be??After some more fiddling, I decide to call again maybe for the sixth time tonight, this time by 1:43 am, she doesn't pick still.Fuck!I call again, I won't give up. Never.Finally, she picks up, but it's not her."Liam," A female voice slurs from the phone."Who is this?" I ask, trying my best to be calm."Me silly! Odette, duh," She giggles.Odette? Huh?"Where's Emma?""Right here, she's like so wasted, you have to come get her ASAP," she says.Fuck, I hope she hasn't attracted some trouble with this behavior tonight.I sigh, grabbing my keys, and jac

I've decided not to ask Mother what she meant by her ending statement during that dinner. There's no way he knows about the contract, and even if she suspects, which she obviously would, it's still absurd that she'd know the exact contents, including the expiry date of the contract.If I ask, I would be confirming it. Regardless of how she might have gotten that information, it has nothing to do with me, with us, Emma, and I, we just need to play our roles perfectly.Speaking of roles, Emma doesn't need to know about this, at all. If she finds out my mother may know about our deal, she'll get too concerned about what she might do with that information.I look at her, she's seated with Adelina, watching a movie. She looks happy and laughs once in a while. I'm happy she's easing up a bit.She's calm and stress-free when with Adelina, and the same goes for Adelina as well, I'm grateful for their companionship.The flight is short, and we arrive in about 30 minutes. I enjoy my own company

The sun is already climbing in the sky as I stand by the car, mentally running through the details of the vineyard visit. But when Emma steps out of the villa, all thoughts of business vanish.She's wearing a floral sundress, the kind that's simple yet elegant, fitting her like it was made just for her. The soft fabric flutters slightly in the breeze, drawing my attention to the way it moves with her. Her olive-tan skin is glowing under the sunlight, and there's this natural shimmer that makes her look almost radiant. Her dark hair catches the light, making it appear even softer than usual.I try to focus on anything else, but my gaze keeps drifting back to her. There's something about the way she looks this morning, something that makes it hard to look away. Her skin seems to glisten in the sunlight, highlighting the natural warmth of her complexion. It's like she belongs here, in this place, under this sky.She catches me looking, and for a moment, our eyes lock. There's a small, al

"Liam," Mother says as she walks in, her voice smooth and commanding. "We need to talk."I look up from my desk, trying to mask my irritation. "What is it, Mother?"She sits down gracefully, a practiced smile on her face that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I had a little chat with Emma last night."My interest piques, but I keep my tone neutral. "Oh?""Yes," she continues, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "She was out admiring the estate. It's amusing to see someone so fascinated by our world. I suppose it's charming in a way, though I doubt she fully understands the significance of it all."Her words sting, but I keep my composure. "What exactly did you discuss with her?"Mother's smile tightens. "Oh, nothing of consequence. Just observing how she seems so... enthralled. I do hope she realizes that there are expectations that come with being part of this family."There's a subtle edge in her voice, a hint that Emma might have been put in her place. I don't like the way Mother talks