The Wrong Bride

Revelation Part I

I spent the whole afternoon talking to aunt. I don't remember when was the last time we have talked liked this. Even before, when I used to work for her, we would talk only once a week.

But I never had a heart to heart conversation with aunt Melissa.

I knew aunt was married at a young age and got divorced early. I used to think she prefers it that way. She was one of those women who lives life their way and won't tolerate a man leading her.

But when she told me about herself, I found a different story.

She married her high school sweet heart. They were still in college when they got married. While she studied in a local college, he went to Harvard for higher studies.

But they would still meet. He would come every summer to meet her and spend time with her. She told me she would wait the whole year in excitement for summers.

Three years of college went by like this. In the final year he didn't come for summer break. Said he was doing an internship.

But aunt didn't say anything thinking he was coming home anyway after the college will be over. And then there would be no distance between them.

He did come home after college got finished. But not to stay together with her but to tell her that a small-town girl like her is far too innocent to be with the kind of lifestyle he has now. It would be too overwhelming for her.

He said that and gave her a divorce.

After a few months she found out through their common friend that he was dating another girl there.

That broke her heart, here she was waiting for him like a silly girl every year for summers to come. And there he has already found someone more worthy for him.

So much for being the loving wife.

Then she decided she would work and become his equal. She decided to join law school. She worked day and night to become a good lawyer. She wanted to become his equal.

"So, did you become his equal?", I asked to which she replied, "After some time I was so lost in my drive to get to the top that I forgot why I had started it in the first place. I forgot him, grew distant with my family. Didn't spend time with my only sister. Until it was too late.

It was only after you got married and stopped working for me, I felt as if there's a void. That I'm actually very alone".

"You're not alone, you have me", I said holding her hand, "and aunt you don't have to live like this. You're still young. Why don't you start dating again?"

"I don't know if I have it in me. I've only been with one guy before. I'm far too rigid for any man to like me", she said dismissing the thought.

"Why are you saying that? You are lovely. Any man would be lucky to have you".

"You don't understand Elly. I throw people away from me. That's what I do. And then people leave. Who would be crazy enough to stay even after that?", she said getting up, "now let's forget this conversation and have dinner".

#*#*#*

I was lying on the guest bedroom in aunt's house trying to sleep. I have never felt so dejected in my life. What's the point of fighting anymore when the one I'm fighting for doesn't want me.

It has been shown to me again and again that I don't belong there. Damianos must have married me to save his pride, but his heart is still with Maria. It was always a marriage of extreme circumstances.

It's just that he was so different in Boston. He was a different Damianos there. There he wanted me as if there's no obligation for him to want me. He talked to me, laughed with me.

And that night. I felt tears filling my eyes thinking about that night. That night he worshiped my body, said things to me he never said before.

I hate that night. That night shouldn't have happened. I would have still been sane if it didn't. I could have still recovered if it wouldn't have happened.

Now my tears were flowing uncontrolled through my cheeks into the pillow. My hairs have become damp from my tears. I was still sobbing.

I looked at the time, it was ten at night. I have still not informed Damianos that I was staying at aunt Melissa. And he has not called to check my whereabouts.

Why would he call? He would have to notice first that I'm not present there.

But I decided that I'll send him a message, I don't want to create a fuss back at the house.

I sent him the message and went to sleep.

#*#*#*

We were having our breakfast at aunt Melissa’s lounge. It was like a balcony and you can step down to the garden from there. She had a beautiful house.

"You have a beautiful house you know", I said applying butter liberally to my toast.

"Yeah, well I have paid a great price for that so it better be", she said in a melancholic tone.

I shook my head. Aunt Melissa should not be this lonely. I hope she finds someone her worth.

It was evening, I was sitting by the lake watching the sky turn red. Sun is going to set soon. I came back this morning. Damianos was not here as expected. I came down here as I didn't want to face Sofia and Patricia.

My mind is messed up as it is.

I don't know what to make of that scene in the restaurant. Ever since yesterday I've been trying to find a valid reason for that. But I'm still unsuccessful. After all what could possibly Damianos want from Maria.

I want to ask him but I'm scared that if it was something genuine then I'll look like a fool in front of him. Moreover, I don't want to sound like one of those wives who spy on their husbands.

Maybe he will tell me about this meeting himself.

The sun has finally set and a soft breeze was flowing making my hairs flow along with it.

"Enjoying the sunset alone?"

I turned back to find Damianos standing there. He had his office bag in one hand, tie loosened and hairs disheveled as if his hands had run through it several times.

"You came back early?"

"Why? Should I go back and come later?"

"That's not what I meant", I turned my head to the front annoyed.

"Hey", he came back sitting on the grass beside me, trying to fold his long legs which was impossible in his business suit, "I was just joking".

"Don't sit on the grass you'll ruin your pants", I pointed.

"You think I care?", he said running his hands through my hairs.

"Whatever I was just warning", I said still looking in the front trying to break a twig that has suddenly caught my attention.

He took the twig from my hands and threw it away.

"Why did you do that?", I said irritated.

"What happened?"

"Well you took the twig from my......."

"You know that's not what I meant. What happened to you?"

"Everything's fine".

"Here look at me", he held my chin and pulled it to face him, "why are you upset?"

I got out of his hold, "I'm not upset".

"Oh, so you are angry", he sounded amused.

"I'm not angry"

"You're angry".

I flashed him a look. Of course, I was angry. But hell, if I tell him myself.

"Is it because I'm not able to give you time these days? That’s why you ran to your aunt's house?", He wrapped one arm around me.

"Hey Elly, I'm sorry. I know it's very wrong of me. Come look at me, don't be angry okay. I know things are not going the same and I'm afraid I won't be able to change my routine for some time. But I promise I won't ignore you again".

I looked at his face. He looked so sincere. I noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes. His face looked exhausted. I forgot why I was angry with him. I have no right to be.

Here he is working night and day and still promising to give me time. And I'm holding grudges against him for meeting someone. I'm sure he'll tell me himself, why he met her so now I won't press.

I took the arm that was wrapping me and kissed his palm. I can't be angry at him. He's much too precious to me.

I smiled at him. "So, I'm forgiven?", he asked cheekily. I raised forward and kissed his lips, "Here's your answer".

He held my head from behind and kissed me. I melted in his arms. He grabbed me from my back and pushed me towards him so I was now on my knees. I put both my hands through his hairs and kissed him, sucking and biting on his lips until we were both breathless.

I pulled back breathing heavily and sat on his lap. I looked at his face, looking at me, his breath was heavy too.

I closed my eyes and put my head on his chest. Oh, this man can get away with murder if he keeps on kissing me like that.

#*#*#*

We were having dinner with Patricia and Sofia. It is the first time all four of us were having dinner together. And for the first time everything was peaceful. Even Sofia was quietly eating her food.

Damianos kept on teasing me and grabbing my hand under the table. I tried to smack it away but only for it to land on my thighs. I'm sure I was red throughout the dinner as I have noticed Patricia raising her head and Sofia throwing glares at me. I tried pinching his skin, crushing his feet but that didn't deter him.

What's with men and flirting with an audience?

After dinner was over Damianos kissed me and said he has to work. So, he'll join me for bed later.

He went to his study. I was contemplating going to my room to read maybe.

"Elly?"

I turned back and found Sofia standing. She was wearing a knee length dress. Her dark hairs were in a small bun. I never noticed this before but Sofia was a beautiful woman with high cheekbones and patrician nose. Maybe if she was less haughty, she could look attractive.

"Yes?"

"Come walk with me in the garden".

I wanted to refuse. I'd rather stay here than go out with her. I was considering refusing her when she said, "don't refuse, a nice breeze is blowing outside. Come on let's go".

I agreed and went outside wondering what is it that she wanted to say.

We kept on walking in silence for some time. Soon she said,

"It’s a beautiful garden isn't it?"

"Yes, it is", I said wondering where she is leading the conversation.

"I love walking here, especially at night. It's so refreshing, it takes away all your tiredness. It will be a shame when all this will be gone".

All this will be gone?

"What do you mean?", I asked suddenly curious.

"You know when they'll take awa….. Oh, you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Nothing if you don't know already then I should not be the one telling you this".

"Tell me what? What are you talking about? Tell me Sofia", I asked cautious of her tone.

"Well I will tell you but you cannot tell this to anyone".

I nodded wanted her to tell me already.

"Well you know, how should I put it? Let's give it to you straight. Damian is going bankrupt. I mean the whole Costas enterprise is going bankrupt".

#*#*#*