The Billionaire's Proxy Bride

Chapter 5

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the hallway. Eleni and Dimitri, already seated, turned to gaze at the doorway, their faces filled with warmth and anticipation.

Mavros stood up from his seat, his movements graceful, as he approached the door. A moment later, he returned with a tall, golden-haired man in tow.

"Gideon, my son! You've grown so much! " Eleni acknowledged, standing up to give him a hug.

"Yia-yia! Good to see you again. " His eyes shining with affection, as he hugged her back. "You're aging like fine wine, as always!" He pulled back from the embrace to greet Dimitri, but he was beat to it.

" Ah Gideon, my boy! It's been ages! " Dimitri boomed, his voice hearty and masculine, as he clasped Gideon's hands in a firm handshake. "You look strong and capable like your father."

Gideon grinned, his eyes crinkling in the corners. " Thanks Pappou! You're still the toughest guy in the room. "

As Gideon sauntered over to take his seat beside Mavros, his stride suddenly faltered. Descending the stairs was the most lovely woman he had laid eyes on in a long while. His eyes locked on her with an intense adoring gaze.

Mavros' gaze devoured her, his dark eyes burning with an intense, possessive pride. He rose from his seat, his movements fluid and commanding, and approached her with a confident stride. "You look breathtaking, wife." His voice was low and husky, his gaze filled with desire and pride. His smile faltered for a moment, and he added, "The perfect bride, indeed." his words laced with a hint of mockery. Mavros took her hand and placed his other hand at the small of her back, possessively, sending shivers down her spine.

Eleni light-heartedly introduced, "Gideon, meet Natalia, the woman who has managed to charm and tame my stubborn grandson!" Gideon recovered from his initial shock, extending his hand, his eyes never leaving Natalia's face. " Nice to meet you, Natalia. You're a... stunning woman. "

Natalia smiled graciously, her cheeks flushing slightly. " Thank you, Gideon. Nice to meet you too. You're quite good-looking yourself."

Gideon chuckled, his eyes crinkling in the corners. " Why didn't I meet you first? I would have swept you off your feet before Mavros even had a chance! "

Mavros' gaze narrowed, his voice low and playful, with a hint of warning. " Too late, Gideon. Natalia is mine, and I've already claimed her. You'll never get the chance to sweep her off her feet. "

Gideon grinned, unfazed. " Hey, I get it, Mavros. I'd be possessive too if I were in your shoes. "

Natalia stood silently, her gaze etched with wariness, before making a small nod and sitting beside Eleni.

Natalia excused herself after the first course, seeking fresh air and a brief reprieve from the tense atmosphere. Gideon's polite but invasive questions had made her uncomfortable, and Mavros' scrutinizing gaze had been fixed on her throughout the meal. As she stepped outside, she felt a sense of relief wash over her.

The men had retreated to the barroom to drink and discuss business, while Eleni and Anna checked on the progress of the second course. Natalia took a deep breath, savoring the gentle breeze on her skin. She couldn't help but wonder how she would manage to live with Mavros for ten years. She knew they wouldn't be staying in Greece forever. Mavros had a life of his own in America.

She had resolved to reveal her secrets to Mavros later that night, once they retired to their bedroom and his mood was still buoyed by the warm atmosphere. It was better to do it here, in this place where she felt a sense of warmth and familiarity. She hoped to find the courage to bare her soul later tonight.

Just then, she saw a tall approaching figure, making her heart skip a bit. She made to shift to another secluded spot when the voice caught her. " Hey, it's just me, Natty. Hope I can call you that."

Natalia stopped short, realizing it was just Gideon. She breathed a sigh of relief, having thought it was someone else she wasn't ready to face alone yet. "Oh Gideon, yeah, you can." She queried, "Weren't you supposed to be inside with the others?" trying to sound causal.

Gideon moved fluidly to stand beside her, his masculine cologne filling the air. "The room was getting a bit stuffy." He took a delightful deep breath, his eyes closed and declared, "I feel alive now!" Natalia chuckled at his boyish enthusiasm, finding him quite charming.

He smiled at her, his eyes sparkling. "So, you're ready to leave Romania behind and live in almighty America?" He raised his hand in a proud and playful gesture.

Natalia let out a tentative smile, which didn't escape Gideon's intelligent gaze. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice taking on a hint of envy. "Mavros is a lucky man to have you by his side, Natalia."

A while ago, he had watched between hooded eyes the subtle, dubious interaction between the new couple. Of course, he's a credible lawyer, it is almost natural for him to read the room. He had his qualms that something was amiss between Natalia and Mavros.

Natalia attempted to steer the conversation away from her relationship with Mavros. 'But tell me, Gideon, how did you get into law? You must be very successful to have your own law firm.'"

Sensing her subtle discomfort and eagerness to change the topic, he decided to forfeit the subject.

His eyes lit up, and he leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Let's just say I have a knack for winning cases."

Natalia leaned in, her eyes shining with genuine interest. " And, what's the most challenging case you've ever tackled? You know, the kind that keeps you up at night? "

Gideon chuckled, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Well, I think you might be capable of keeping me up all night, Natalia," he said with a wink.

Natalia laughed, a playful blush rising to her cheeks. "Oh, you're too charming for your own good, Gideon!"

Gideon's grin grew wider. " I can't help it. But seriously, there was this one case... Ah, it was a doozy. A real brain-twister."

Gideon's eyes lit up as he launched into a story about a high-profile case he had won. Natalia found herself enjoying his company and their conversation, asking questions and laughing at his witty remarks.

Just as they were getting into the conversation, Mavros burst onto the balcony, a look of surprise and displeasure on his face. " We've been looking all over for you two. What are---?"

Gideon grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Just getting some fresh air and enjoying Natalia's company."

Mavros' eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing, just nodded and ushered Gideon inside. As Natalia made to pass by him, he grabbed her hand. "A minute with you."

Gideon turned, but before he could intervene, Mavros warned, "We'll join you shortly." He nodded and ventured inside, leaving Natalia and Mavros alone in the dark.

Natalia's heart raced with fear and anxiety as Mavros scolded her, his grip on her hand tightening. "And what were you discussing with him? You better stay away from him. Just because I allowed you to interfere with my family's life doesn't mean you should go far with it. You better know your place here."

He let go of her hand, and Natalia rubbed the red blotches that were already forming, her eyes glistening with tears.

She tried to explain, but he cut her off, his voice stern. " I don't want to hear it! You do as I tell you."

As he made to walk away, she called out, "Will you be coming to bed tonight?" He turned at her with a glint of amusement, his lips curling into a smirk. " Why? Feeling deprived and lonely?" He scoffed and neared her in nanoseconds. " Get used to it. It's part of your punishment. And don't even make the mistake of seeking comfort outside. "

She flushed with embarrassment. "N-no, that wasn't what I meant." He quirked one of his eyebrows up, his lips glinting with impatience. "So?"

" There's something you need to know. It's about what happened four years ago— "

"I've known all I needed to—" He chided gently, his tone firm but controlled.

"You need to hear me out!" She raised her voice in despair.

"Whatever. I will meet you later. It better be worth it."

"Thank you."

"Come inside, they're waiting for us." With that, he left her standing there, trying to regain her composure and calm her turmoil before heading back inside.