The Wrong Bride

Revelation Part II

I was shocked. I didn't know how to react. This is big news, why didn't Damianos tell me about this?

"How did you know?"

"Oh, I've known for some time. Even before your marriage. We were going in loss for the past few years. Daddy and Damian tried everything but nothing could be done. The damage was beyond repair. Damian is trying to sell our overseas assets, and all the properties here in the States to settle the loan. But you know how it is, when a company goes bankrupt the price of the assets goes down. We might sell everything and we still couldn't settle the loan. We will literally be on the streets soon."

I was frozen on my spot. That's why Damianos is working day and night. He is trying to save the company, and a roof over our head. That's why he would always get so worked up whenever I ask him about his financial status.

So, this was what's been eating him up. I only wish that he would have told me. Why hide such an important thing from his wife?

"Elly are you okay?", Sofia asked waving me from my trance.

"Yes, I'm fine"

"I can understand this might be a shock for you. You must feel cheated that he married you on the pretense of a billionaire and now you're also going to be poor".

"No, of course not. Rich or not I will always stand by him. It's just that I was never aware of this situation. How does the media not know it?"

"That's because we had thought earlier that we could rectify it. You know before he married you, he was supposed to marry Maria. It was the only solution to all our problems".

She continued, "you know Maria is the only heir of Petrakis industries. Her father had the money and as Maria have no brother, it will all go to her. And by her, I mean her husband. So that's why Damian and Maria's marriage was fixed. She was the only one who could have saved Costas enterprise. But you know that couldn't happen", she said shrugging.

That piece of information took me. So, it means that Damianos could have been saved from bankruptcy, but he couldn't be saved because of me.

I was the reason. I made a foolish mistake and now Damianos is paying for that. If only I wouldn't have agreed to marry him. If only it was Maria who he had married, then Damianos would not be bursting his spine working day and night trying to save a broken company. He is going to be on the streets because of me.

"I'm so sorry Elly. I didn't want to worry you. But I thought you should know, you're his wife after all".

I knew Sofia was saying something in the background but all I could focus on, 'if he would have married Maria'.

"Elly?"

I looked at her, her expression suddenly serious, "yes?"

"I would be lying if I say that that was the only reason I asked you to come here. Call me selfish or rude but what I'm going to tell you next, listen carefully. Then decide later".

"I don't understand, what do you mean?"

"Divorce Damianos".

The air had suddenly become very light. The atmosphere was in silence.

"What?"

"You know what I mean Elly. If you care about him. If you ever loved him then you will divorce him. That's the only way you can save him."

"But how?"

"It's simple. Once you divorce him, he can marry Maria and every problem will get solved. Maria will provide the money that he can use to save him from bankruptcy".

"That's ridiculous, if he wanted that he would have divorced me himse….."

"Oh, please Elly", she interrupted, "you think Damianos will divorce you himself? He would rather be on the street or go to his grave than go against his word. He gave you his word that he will stand by you for better or for worse. So, he will stand by you even if it is for the worst.

The only way you can release him from the marriage is if you divorce him yourself. Then he won't have any option but to agree."

I was stuck on my spot thinking of several possibilities.

Sofia came near me and took my hands in hers. "Listen Elly, I have nothing against you. But I don't want to stand here and watch my family get ruined. You are the only one who can help us."

"I'll talk to Damianos"

"No, that wouldn't be a good idea. If you tell him about your plan, there's no way he would let you do that. If you want to divorce him, you will have to do it on your own."

"Listen Elly, I've said what I wanted to say. I cannot force you even if I wanted to. Rest is your choice. But decide quick, we don't have much time left", with that she turned back and walked away.

And I was still stuck on spot thinking how did my life changed within a few minutes.

Sure, I can assume what Sofia said could be a lie. But I knew better. I knew something was bothering Damianos. And much as I deny it, I knew that I would have to take the biggest decision of my life.

"What are you doing alone in the garden?"

I turned around to find Damianos standing there. Suddenly I wanted to cry. He appeared so close to me, yet I knew he is going to be a distant dream soon.

"Your work is done?"

"Yeah I'm tired now. I'll work later. Besides to finish some business I'll be going to Washington tomorrow for two days so I have to wake up early. Let's go to bed."

"What business?", I asked as we made our way towards the house.

"Some old business that isn't profitable. I'm going to sell it", he said dismissing it.

That night after we had made love, I was lying on the bed shedding silent tears. It could be the last time we are sleeping together.

I turned around and looked at him. He was already fast asleep. He must be so tired. A bang has fallen on his forehead. I reached it and swept it away.

His dark circles were very prominent now, his forehead had lines. He looked older than I first saw him. Poor Damianos he must be so tensed always.

I don't want him to go on the street. It's different with me, I have always been from a simple background. But Damianos was raised in the life of luxury. He could not live a life of hardship. His pride will be broken.

My mind wandered off to many reports I have heard and read, about billionaires committing suicide, or having a heart attack following bankruptcy.

My heart froze. No, that is not something I could allow to happen. Not to my dear Damianos.

I have decided. I will leave him.

#*#*#*

Next morning Damianos and I were having breakfast. Patricia and Sofia have not come down yet as it was still early. Damianos will be leaving for Washington in an hour.

"You want me to bring you anything?", He asked smiling.

I wondered how he could smile in this situation. I looked at the way he was eating his food, it looked like he is in a hurry. Maybe it's a sign of restlessness he was having.

Oh, Damianos why can't you tell me your problem?

"Just come back home safe", I said smiling.

After he had eaten, he went upstairs to get his things. I stayed downstairs. I was getting mortified by thinking that I might not see him again.

My head was pounding, and I was feeling nauseous. It could be because I barely slept last night, thinking about our situation. About how I would leave him.

He came downstairs. He was on the phone, a small bag on his hand. I was standing on the door watching him descend the stairs. He came to stand beside me, still on the phone.

He let go of the travel bag and took my hand in his and brought it to his lips to give small pecks on each finger. All the while he was still on the phone.

My eyes got filled with tears. He has no idea that this is the last time we are meeting. I turned to look outside the house instead of him so that he could not see my tears.

I tried to hold it in. My eyes started hurting and the pounding on my head increased. A sob escaped my mouth.

By now Damianos have finished talking on the phone and was looking at me.

I felt his hand leave my hand and come to hold my chin. He turned my face to look at him. "What happened Elly? Why are you crying?"

I wiped my tears which was now flowing freely on my cheeks and shook my head.

He came in front of me and put both his palms on my cheeks. "What is it? Tell me, is anything bothering you?"

"No, I just want you to come back soon", I lied.

He pulled my face up, "Is that really the reason you're crying?"

"Yes, it is. I'll miss you that's all"

"It's only for two days, I'll be back before you know it. And I'll annoy you so much when I come back, you'll start wishing me to go back again", he said winking at the implication.

Oh, if only he knew.

He kissed me again. I kissed him back as I won't get another chance to kiss him again. And after what I'm going to do, I don't think he'll want to kiss me again.

After that he turned to leave. I waved the leaving vehicle until it was out of sight.

And with it I waved my love too.

#*#*#*

I have already planned how I would leave.

I knew it won't be fruitful to leave just like that because Damianos will come and get me back like always. I needed to do something that will make him hate me.

In fact this idea was given by Sofia. She knows I have made up my mind. And she told me she would help me leave and stall Damianos when required.

I have not told Martha about it because I know she would try to stop me.

We finished packing. And there was just one thing left to do. I took out a piece of paper from my drawer and started writing.

Dear Damianos,

I know this letter will be unexpected for you. But I think it's the most appropriate way to convey my message.

I'm leaving. By the time you would read this letter I might have already left. The thing is I don't want to live like this anymore. You're a nice man and I don't want to cheat you anymore.

I don't see the point of pretending to be your wife when I'm in love with someone else. Yes, I love someone else. I have loved him even before I married you.

I hope you're not angry. I only wish the best for you. Do not try to search for me as you won't find me.

Elly

I finished the letter and read it again. I have made sure to keep the letter as impersonal as I can.

After I was done, I put the letter in an envelope and kept it on his study table.

I have finished packing making sure to take only those things that were mine before the marriage. The cab was at the front. I took my bags and went to the main door.

Martha was not at home and neither was Gordon, which was a relief as I didn't want to face them. They will ask many questions which I didn't wanted to answer.

But it would have been nice if I could have met Martha for the last time.

I saw Sofia by the door. "Elly it's sad that you have to go, but I'm grateful that you're helping my family from ruin".

I smiled. I did not have anything to say. I was far too emotional at the moment for conversation.

The cab driver put both my bags in the car trunk. I made my way towards the car. Before going inside, I turned around to look at the house one last time.

When I came here for the first time I only wanted to leave. And today what wouldn't I give to stay here. It was my home for the past two months but it felt like I've lived an eternity here. I have become a woman from a girl in this house.

In this house I have fallen in love for the first time in life.

I went inside the car and closed the door. I looked at the house through the window.

Until Next time.

#*#*#*