The Marriage Bargain - ENGLOT

Chapter 31: 3 years ago

3 years ago...

Emory's POV:

I stepped out of the car, taking in the familiar scent of the place that had always brought me a sense of comfort. However, this time there was a heaviness in the air, one that matched the weight on my heart.

It had been a few weeks since Cadence had left, and I needed to get away from the suffocating memories that haunted every corner of our penthouse. Coming here, to the place where I had spent my childhood felt like a necessary escape.

Taking a deep breath, I walked up the steps to the main entrance, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Nervousness, uncertainty, and a lingering sadness all fought for dominance. But as I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my nonna's voice broke through the silence.

"Emory, my love!" Nonna emerged from the hallway, her presence commanding and intimidating as ever. I opened my arms and wrapped it around her.

"Nonna," I greeted her, offering a small smile. "It's good to see you."

Nonna eyed me for a moment, her gaze scanning my face. She had always been able to see through my façade, to the depths of my soul. It made me feel both vulnerable and understood, but in this moment, I needed to protect myself.

"Where is Cadence?" Nonna's question hung in the air, her tone laced with curiosity. "I haven't seen her in awhile."

I hesitated, not knowing how to respond. I didn't want to burden Nonna with the pain I still carried. And so, I lied, hoping to spare her the disappointment that would surely follow. "Oh nonna, Cadence and I broke up." I said forcing confidence in my voice, "I got bored of her. You know how it goes."

Nonna's face fell, and a wave of sadness washed over her features. "Bored? How can you be bored of a woman like Cadence? She was good for you, Emory. You made each other happy."

Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over. How could I explain that Cadence leaving had ripped open a hole inside me? That it felt like my entire universe had crumbled with her departure? I couldn't bring myself to reveal that truth to Nonna, though, not when I needed to project strength.

Nonna's disappointment hung heavy in the air as she regarded me with a stern look. "Fine," she said, her voice firm and unyielding. "If you don't want Cadence, I'll find someone else for you. Emory, you need to find someone else to settle down with," she declared, her tone forceful.

I sighed, feeling defeated. I knew Nonna would do this sooner or later. But the pain of Cadence's departure is just too fresh, too raw. "Nonna, I don't think I'm ready for that. I-" I started to say, but Nonna cut me off.

"No. You listen to me." Nonna reached out and touched my cheek, her gaze intense and penetrating. "Emory, darling, I want nothing more than for you to have a family of your own. Find yourself a new partner, or I'll have to take matters into my own hands and arrange dates for you."

My heart sank, burying itself deeper within the solitude that had become my solace. I knew my nonna meant well, but the thought of finding someone new felt insensitive and impossible. How could I move on when my heart still belonged to Cadence, no matter how much she had hurt me?

I should have fought back, resisted her forceful will. But I had given up, gave up the moment Cadence left my side. And now, the idea of resisting Nonna's plans seemed futile.

With a resigned sigh, I met her gaze, my own eyes no longer shining with hope. "Nonna, do whatever you see fit," I replied, my voice devoid of emotion. "I don't care anymore. Choose who I'll marry. I am no longer interested."