THE MARRIAGE GAME

I'd never taken a day off in my life. A leave of convenience? That's not for me. Well, except for tonight. Tonight, I seem to have broken a lot of my rules, no alcohol, no reckless decisions, no dressing and/or dancing like slut, and, no flirting. Is this normally how one reacts after recently learning that their mother is dying from cancer? Nope, but if I continue like this for tonight at least, I can forget my problems for a while. I swung my hips to the blasting music, no one was dancing hard enough, fuckers. I traced my accentuated curves as I spun. It was a shame my ex never got to see this dress, I had bought it for our graduation celebratory dinner, but the asshole decided to fuck my best friend the night before. Now, I get to wear it for a bunch of strangers, ones who look eager to take it off tonight. One person looked more determined than the rest, he was seated quite far from where I was, but his gaze was so sharp. He's beautiful, I thought to myself. If he's lucky enoug

What the fuck was I thinking? Did I enjoy the sex? Yes. Was he an ass? Yes. Do I hope I'll never see him again? Maybe. Anyway, the point is, I'm late, I'm meant to have an appointment with Ma's doctor this afternoon, it's currently 12:40 pm, the train to the hospital takes at least 15 minutes, and the appointment is by 1 pm. I had hoped to at least brush my teeth to be a bit presentable, even though I probably reek of alcohol. What kind of fancy suite provides toothbrushes without toothpaste? Waking up late is one thing, but having the time to brush, but not the equipment? Outrageous. As soon as I got on the train, I got a call from my Ma. "Mama." I coughed out. "Emma, where are you piccina? The doctor, I'll be called in soon, you know you're not my only guardian anymore." she sounded worried. "I know mama, I'll be there soon, I'm ten minutes away." I tried to hide the tension in my voice. "Don't worry, just sit and wait, the doctor said worry isn't good for your condition, cal

What did he just say?"Wait…what?""Marry me, Emma, all your bills, debts, hospital fees, fuck it, even this building will be yours, the Caruso Empire owns it, so I own it. I'll give it to you."Wait, he's dead serious.So what if he's fucking Vanderbilt? How dare he?But, the money doesn't sound like a bad idea. But, it is crazy, my one-night stand coming to me with a marriage proposal less than a week after meeting him."Why?" I ask"Because I need you," he replies swiftly, his face devoid of any emotion."Right." I chuckle. "And if I refuse?""You won't." Oh, he sure is an arrogant son of a bitch. "Because you need my money, the same way I need your hand."I hate that he's right, but this feels wrong and fast, too fast.So, I say "No. I refuse. I know nothing about you, or what I'm getting into." What if he's an organ harvester?"Darling, if you wanna know about me, look up 'Liam Caruso', although I'm not sure if the million and one articles you see can tell you the full truth. I'm

Dickhead.Look at him, all smug and confident-filled, looking as expression-less as ever, fuck him.He’s not looking like someone who had me confined to this big house like I’m some sort of prisoner, when my only crime is marrying a Caruso for money I urgently need.I hate how he still manages to look so fine when I’m writhing with anger and confusion from my insides out. I can barely contain my frustration and he’s here…teasing me.The least he could do is be ugly, at least my hatred couldn’t be confused as lust at times, but the cherry on top of the cake, is, he is not.He’s freakishly handsome, dark hair, and the most manly man I’ve ever set eyes on. He possesses the true charisma of an Italian man, plus the ego, and now this 6 foot 4 man is towering over me, I can’t handle this.“We need to talk.” I say and turn away from him to catch my breath. I sit on the sofa and rub my forehead. I have to find the most calm way to ask my questions.Why is your family entangled with my missing

I hear scrambling as I’m about to leave. What’s all the fuss about?I move to the room where the noise is coming from, it appears to be the same room Emma walked into.Oh no, what a nightmare.Serena’s fist is in Emma’s hair, as Emma’s is in hers. They’re both scrambling at each other, tears stream down Emma’s face, she’s confused, angry and hurt.The place is a scene, Serena screaming obscene words at Emma, the staff are trying to break them up.“What is happening here?!” I finally say.They all stop to look at me, Serena is furious, I’m surprised she’s here and that she knows Emma is, and that she also knows I’m married to her, unless…That explains the smug look on Mother’s face earlier, she probably had us tailed and informed Serena, her own way of ‘not getting her hands dirty’.“You.” Serena starts, she gets up and walks to me. “How could you?” she fake sobs.Pity tears, I get them a lot. I don’t have the energy for this this morning.“Let’s talk in private, Serena.”“You know he