Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Games of the Heart: Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

STEFANOI watch Andrea as she trembles like a leaf in an autumn breeze, her body curled in on itself at the edge of the bed. She hasn’t spoken a word since we left the club, the silence heavy with unspoken pain. I know pushing her now would only make her retreat further, but I can’t just stand here and watch her suffer.Slowly, carefully, I move to crouch between her legs, my hands resting gently on her knees. “Luce del sole,” I murmur, the endearment falling from my lips like a prayer. “Talk to me. What happened?”For a long moment, there’s only the sound of her shaky breaths. Then, finally, a single word escapes her lips. “Him.”My brow furrows. “Him?”She nods, her gaze distant, haunted. “I saw him after all this time. It felt like...like he was forcing himself on me all over again.”Ice floods my veins as understanding dawns. I know the story, the horror she endured five years ago at the hands of that monster in Rome. The very thought of it makes my blood boil, and my heart ache i

I close the door behind Emily, her words echoing in my mind. My head is spinning with the conversation we just had as I trudge up the stairs to my room. As I enter my bedroom, I can't shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Emily's plan for revenge against my brother seems misguided and potentially dangerous. I know Santiago can be intense, but the idea of him using money as leverage over Emily doesn't sit right with me. There has to be more to this story.I collapse onto my bed, my body still pleasantly sore from my night with Stefano, but my mind racing with worry for both Emily and Santiago. Should I warn my brother about Emily's intentions? Or would that be betraying my friend's trust? I'm still angry with him about the reason he got with her. The complexity of the situation overwhelms me, and I close my eyes, hoping for a moment of peace.Just as I'm about to drift off, a soft knock on my door jolts me back to alertness. "Andrea, sweetheart, is that you?" My mother's

The following morning, I wake up with a big smile on my face. Gently, I slip out from under Stefano’s arm and get up. I pick up his shirt, inhaling his delicious scent before putting it on and padding to the small kitchenette in his hotel suite. The view of the ocean from the window is breathtaking in the morning light, the sun casting a golden glow across the waves.I check the fridge and cupboards, finding ingredients for pancakes based on the recipe I found online. As I mix the batter, adding a touch of vanilla and cinnamon for extra flavor, I hum softly to myself. I really hope it comes out well because I’ve always been a horrible cook.Just as I’m pouring the batter into the pan, strong arms wrap around my waist.“Buongiorno, Luce del Sole,” Stefano murmurs, his lips brushing my cheek.“Good morning,” I reply, smiling as I lean back into his embrace.“Why aren’t you in bed?” he asks, his voice still husky with sleep.“I wanted to surprise you with breakfast,” I explain, gesturing

The maids arrive a moment later, serving dinner. We’ve barely taken three bites before Dad speaks, his voice deceptively casual.“So, Stefano, does your family approve of your relationship with Andrea?” He glances at me before shifting his gaze back to Stefano.“Yes, they do. My mother was even sad to see her leave the last time she was in Sicily,” Stefano replies with a small smile.Dad’s eyes narrow. “Hmm, I thought I knew your family. But seeing that they accepted Andrea, I guess I don’t.”The hidden meaning in his words hangs heavy in the air. Stefano’s voice is carefully controlled as he asks, “What do you mean by that, Uncle Pedro?”Dad’s response is like a slap to the face. “Well... I mean, my daughter is beautiful, which explains how she seduced you and could be your mistress. But the girlfriend of the future, Don? That, I’m surprised she pulled off.”“Dad!” I exclaim shock and hurt coursing through me.“Pedro!” Mom gasps, her face mirroring my disbelief.Stefano releases a da

It’s been a few days since we arrived in California, and Stefano has been working tirelessly to uncover who is responsible for the devastating warehouse fire. I took some time off work to be by his side, offering support and assistance in any way I can. But despite my best efforts, Stefano has been coming home late each night, spending long hours at the office.As I lay in bed, I toss and turn, finding it impossible to drift off without the comforting warmth of Stefano’s arms around me. It’s surprising how quickly I’ve grown accustomed to his presence, to the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling me to sleep. Restless, I climb out of bed and pad downstairs, thinking a glass of warm milk might help soothe my racing thoughts. But as I descend the stairs, I freeze, hearing unfamiliar voices emanating from the living room. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up - something isn’t right. Stefano would have turned on the lights if he had brought guests over, but the house is shrouded in