The Wrong Bride

The Luncheon

I woke up in the morning. But instead of feeling fresh I felt horrible. My mind was stuck on my conversation with Damianos last night.

Maybe it's not such a big deal. Maybe Damianos really have work. He is always busy with work anyway. But he has never been so distant with me like in the last few days.

I got up from the bed and walked out to the balcony. It had rained all night. Outside a mild breeze was flowing after the thunderstorm last night. Everything was damp but looks like it's not going to rain anymore.

I got ready and went downstairs. I peeked in the dining room to see if Damianos was there. But I only saw Sofia and Patricia having their breakfast.

As they saw me, I greeted them good morning. Patricia mumbled a 'morning', as she kept on reading her magazine. While Sofia greeted me very sweetly. Too sweetly if you ask me.

I looked at the time. It was nine in the morning, maybe Damianos was working really late last night that's why he hasn't gotten up yet.

I went towards his room to wake him up. I opened the door and went inside but I didn't find him on the bed. His bed was made and everything was in place. He wasn't in the bathroom as well.

I came out of the room to find Sofia outside. Looks like she has finished her breakfast.

"What happened Elly?", she asked in her fake curious voice.

"Nothing I was just checking to see if Damianos is up or not"

"But Damian already left. Don't you know?"

So, he has left already.

"No, I didn't know that. I thought he is leaving late today"

"Oh, but you know how he is with his work. For him work comes first then anything or anyone else. I thought you'd know. He stopped by mama and my room this morning I thought he would have come to your room too. Didn't he come?"

From my silence I think she guessed it herself.

"That's very wrong of him. He barely talked to you last night. I will surely tell him to give you more attention", she said showing fake concern.

I don't know why Damianos left without saying bye. He would always kiss me goodbye every morning. I would be asleep but I always remember his kiss and goodbye. And I remember that he didn't came this morning.

"Hmm"

"Aww don't be upset, you know how men are. They are just like children. They love their shiny new toy so much in the beginning but soon they get bored and get back on with their life”, she said in a casual tone. But I knew her implication was not casual at all.

"Now come and have breakfast. There's no point fussing over him".

I knew Sofia was deliberately trying to make me feel bad. And much as I try to ignore it, it was working. I suddenly lost all my appetite.

"No actually I'm having a headache. I'll just go back to my room".

"Oh, if that's the case then go and take rest. And Elly, don't stress yourself, billionaires never make a good lover. Ask me I've seen my father, husband and now my brother".

I didn't say anything and left to go to my room.

#*#*#*

I was sitting in my room working on my novel when my phone started ringing.

I picked it up to find aunt Melissa’s number.

I was surprised. It was the first time she has called me since my wedding. And aunt Melissa is not a woman for a normal chit chat. I picked up the phone.

"Hello, aunt Melissa"

"Hey Elly. How are you doing?"

"I'm fine. You tell me, how the firm going?"

"You know as usual. What are you doing today?"

"Nothing much why?"

"I'm thinking about meeting today. It's been long and I haven't met my only niece for over a month. Besides I need to talk to you about something".

"Sure, I would love to meet. I also missed you. Where should we meet?".

"Let's meet for lunch at Regine's. I'll meet you there".

"Fine then we'll meet there".

After talking to aunt Melissa. I put my phone away. I'm happy that I'm meeting her. I've really missed her.

I'm glad that she asked me to meet her. I wanted to get out of this house for some time.

I got ready for the lunch and went outside to the car. I got inside and started the car. It's good that I'm going out, maybe staying at home has made me restless that's why I keep on having bad thoughts.

You know as they say an idle mind is devil's workshop.

I parked my car and got out. Regine's is a very elegant restaurant. I've been here before with aunt Melissa.

I went inside. I gave aunt Melissa’s name at the reception and they led me to her table.

As soon as I saw her, I started smiling. I didn't realize how much I missed her. I can see a little bit of my mother in her, the same nose, hair color and a charming smile.

"Elly", she got up and hugged me.

"Aunt Melissa. How are you?"

"I'm good. And you? You look radiant.", she said smiling.

"Thank you", I said as a sat down in my chair.

"So, tell me. How is married life? Is Damianos treating you well", she asked while ordering food.

"It's going good. Damianos is very nice", I said. I didn't want to tell her about our current muddle. There's no point as it's only a phase. I'm sure we'll be fine soon.

"You know I was worried about you. You got married under strange conditions. Anyway, it's none of my business you're an adult. But it does matter to me if you're happy or not. So, don't ever hesitate to tell me if anything is going south", she said holding my hand on the table.

I smiled. It warms my heart that she cares. "Thank you, aunt, Melissa".

There's one thing about aunt Melissa. She doesn't pry too much on your personal life but she helps you in your need always. You know that she is standing in the background to hold you.

Our food arrived and we started eating. After some time, she said, "Actually I wanted to talk to you about something".

"Yes?", I said with my mouth full.

"You have a degree in English from a good university. And your grades are also good. Why don't you apply for a job?"

Swallowing my food, I picked a glass of water and took a sip. "Actually, I was planning on getting a job. I had even applied to a few places but you know with marriage and everything, I didn't get a chance".

"Listen Elly, I'm saying this because I care. It's good that you're married to a rich man and you're financially stable.

"But in my opinion, it's important for a woman to have a job. Not only for the money but for independence. What if for some reason you are left alone with no money and a child with no one to take care of you?"

"Aunt Melissa I......"

"Listen Elly I don't know how to sugar coat things. I say things straight and to the face. You are my responsibility after your parents and who else will tell you these things other than me?",

"I understand that aunt".

"Elly, get a job, be independent. Don't be with a man because you're dependent on him, be with a man because you choose to be", she said putting an elegant piece of salmon in her mouth.

She is right. She doesn't sugarcoat things. And that's why I love her.

"You're right aunt. Besides I'm free at home anyway. A job will be good to occupy my time".

"That's good. Hope you don't mind but I had sent your resume to a place. And they have called you for an interview".

"You did? Where?"

"It's in Manhattan, it's an editorial company. It's a small company but it has a decent reputation. You've worked for me so you'll get my recommendation", she said taking a sip from her wine glass.

"That's great aunt"

"Don't be so grateful. You still have to clear the interview. And it's in Manhattan so you will have to drive there every day".

She took a bite of her chocolate mousse.

"And I must warn you", she said, "the pay is not that good since it's your first job. But you don't need the money anyway".

Savoring my cheese cake I asked, "when is the interview?"

"Next week. I'll send you the details".

After we were done with our lunch, we made our way to the door of the restaurant.

"You liked the food?"

"I loved it as usual", I said smiling.

"I know you love this place, I used to take you here every time you visited", she said smiling dreamily.

"Aunt Melissa?"

"Hmm"

"Thank you so much. This means a lot".

I am grateful to her. She thinks about me more than I do about myself. Just like my mom used to do.

We were almost at the gate. She took both my hands in her and said, "don't thank me. Who else would I do it for if not you? You are the only thing that is left of my little sister. I don't ever want you to think that I don't care about you".

She had tears in her eyes. I couldn't believe it. Aunt Melissa crying? She is a tough chick. And seeing her getting emotional doesn't make me feel good. I hugged her.

"I know you care about me. I've always known. Just don't cry or you'll make me cry too", I said patting her back.

Just then I heard a voice. A voice of someone laughing. A very familiar voice.

I raised my head to see the source of the voice and I froze.

It was Maria. She was laughing, having dinner with a man. The man's back was turned to me.

But I didn't need to see the face of the man to know who he was. I've known him far too intimately to not recognize.

It was Damianos.

So, he was busy with this work. Suddenly I wanted to run. I couldn't stand at this place for one more second.

It shouldn't be me who is running. I'm not the one cheating. But I don't have the courage to confront them. I quietly came out of the restaurant with aunt.

Maybe I'm a coward. Maybe I should confront but what's the point. I was never supposed to be here anyway. It was always Maria's place.

I wanted to cry. After witnessing that, I don't wish to go back to the house.

"Aunt Melissa?"

"Yes?"

"Would you mind if I stayed at your place tonight. It's been long. And a lunch is hardly enough time to catch up", I said trying to muster a smile on my face.

Her face lit up, "of course that'll be great. I'll cancel everything I have scheduled. Damianos won't mind right?", she said taking out her phone to cancel her appointment.

"No, I don't think he'll notice", I said looking inside the restaurant where I can still see the two sitting.

#*#*#*