THE MARRIAGE GAME のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

The car hums softly as we drive through the winding roads of Tuscany. The vineyard's rows of grapevines slowly give way to open fields and rolling hills. I glance at Emma, who's sitting quietly beside me, her gaze fixed on the passing landscape. The tension that was there when we first started this day seems to have eased, replaced by a comfortable silence that I'm not used to sharing with anyone. She looks relaxed, her hair catching the sunlight as it filters through the car windows. It's hard not to notice the way the light plays on her skin, and I quickly shift my focus back to the road.She's curious, I can tell, but she doesn't ask where we're going. Maybe she trusts me enough to just enjoy the ride, or maybe she's lost in her thoughts. Either way, I'm glad for the quiet. It gives me time to think, to sort through the jumble of emotions I've been trying to ignore since the moment I met her.When we pull into a small village, I see her eyebrows raise slightly in surprise. The stre

The night air is cool as I step out into the garden, looking for some space to clear my head. It's quiet out here, just the sound of crickets in the distance and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. The sky is clear, the stars scattered like a million tiny lights above. It's a night that begs for contemplation, but my thoughts are too jumbled for that right now.I walk further down the path, the gravel crunching softly under my feet. The estate is beautiful at night, the soft glow from the lights along the pathway casting shadows that make everything feel almost magical. But tonight, something's pulling me toward the garden, a quiet instinct I can't ignore. Maybe it's just the need to escape the weight of the day, or maybe it's something else.As I approach the stone bench nestled between two large rose bushes, I see a figure sitting there. It's Emma, her silhouette illuminated by the soft light from the moon. She's in her nightgown, the fabric delicate and flowing around he

The day drags on in my office. Papers cover my desk, but my mind isn't on them. It keeps drifting to Emma. Ever since we returned from Tuscany, she's been on my mind constantly. It's annoying, frustrating even. She's different from anyone I've ever known, and that kiss… Damn, that kiss.A sharp knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts. I glance at my watch—almost noon. My assistant pokes her head in."Mr. Giovanni is here to see you," she says, her voice tight.Of course, he's back. I knew this was coming sooner or later. I straighten up in my chair, waving her in."Send him in."Marco Giovanni strides in like he owns the place, which, of course, he doesn't. Not anymore. He looks better than last time—cleaner, his suit crisp, and that infuriating smirk on his face like he's got a secret he can't wait to share.I don't stand, just motion for him to sit. He doesn't, hovering by the chair instead, his eyes scanning the room like he's looking for something to criticize."Liam," he sa

Dinner is tense, like we're both walking on eggshells. Emma's sitting across from me, poking at her food, barely eating. She gives me these half-hearted smiles that don't reach her eyes, and I know something's wrong. It's like she's trying to put up a front, but I can see through it. After everything we've been through, she should know she can't hide things from me, not anymore.I try to draw her out, but she's evasive. Her mind is elsewhere. It's frustrating because I thought we were past this, past the pretending and the hiding. I thought we were finally on the same page, but tonight, she's retreating into herself again.Out of nowhere, she says, "I'm going to visit my mother tomorrow."It's so abrupt that it catches me off guard. I nod, taking a sip of my wine. "Okay, I'll come with you.""No!" The word is out of her mouth before she can stop it, sharp and panicked. Realizing how she sounds, she quickly backtracks. "I mean, you don't have to. It's just a quick visit."My suspicion

I'm at my desk, flipping through a stack of contracts, but my mind's not on them. My thoughts keep drifting, not toward work but to the woman who's upended my life in ways I never saw coming. Emma. I can't get her out of my head, no matter how hard I try. And maybe I'm not trying that hard anymore.The door swings open, and without even looking up, I know who it is. Only one person in this house walks in like they own the place—and maybe she still thinks she does."Mother," I say, my voice flat. I set the papers aside, knowing this wasn't going to be a pleasant visit."Liam," she responds, her tone as cold as ever. She takes a seat across from me, her posture rigid, always in control. But I can see the tightness in her jaw, the way her eyes narrow just a fraction. This isn't just a casual drop-in."We need to talk," she starts, her eyes locked onto mine."About what?" I ask, though I already know the answer."About Emma," she says, her voice dripping with disdain. "This... influence s