A Compromise Before Christmas

Chapter 17

Acacia spent the drive to the Cassavetes estate rehearsing her greeting. First impressions mattered, and she had a feeling she'd really have to nail hers. Nikolaos was accustomed to the environment, but she was not. Which meant she had to put in twice as much effort.

Just as she was about to rehearse her lines one more time, the car finally came to a stop. Acacia could barely see a thing, but the minimal lighting coming from the gate lights helped her see the massive entrance to the estate.

"We're here," Nikolaos announced

"I figured as much," she responded, still in awe of the gate.

Acacia looked at Nikolaos, who stared blankly ahead. He held the steering wheel with such force that his knuckles turned white. Unsure of what to say at that moment, Acacia kept her peace and waited for his move.

The gate suddenly opened, and Nikolaos drove into the yard. Though it was still quite dark to make out anything clearly, Acacia didn't have to see to know that the estate was grand. The long drive to the main mansion confirmed it.

As they got closer, she could finally see some light coming from the building. It guided their path until they reached the large driveway. Nikolaos parked the car but did not move; his tense breathing gave away his emotions.

That was the moment Acacia knew she had to say something.

"So, what's the plan?"

"What we've already discussed."

"Sure, but what exactly do you want me to do?"

Nikolaos looked at Acacia, his eyes conveying an emotion she found difficult to read.

"To be honest, I'm more worried about myself than you," he spoke earnestly, "Just do what you feel is right."

Acacia knew there wasn't much she could tell Nikolaos, so she gave up. What she could do was her part, and that was what she focused on.

***

Nikolaos guided Acacia into his family's home, where she was gobsmacked upon entry. The interior's colors were white and blue. From the long walls to the exquisite furniture, every part of the mansion had only two colors, which gave the impression that they were someone's favorite.

Acacia silently admired the view while being led down a hallway. At its end was a dining room, which appeared to be occupied. Nikolaos stopped in his tracks and took a deep breath. Acacia did the same, and the two proceeded to the dining room.

Though the table was long enough for 12 people to feast, only 4 people occupied the seats. At the head was an old woman who was no doubt Corinna Cassavetes. Seated to her left and right were two men, whom Acacia guessed were Nikolaos' brothers. And finally, a young woman sat on the right; to Acacia, she looked like a Penelope.

All eyes were on Nikolaos and Acacia when they walked in. Acacia could feel her heart beating faster, but she tried her best not to let her nervousness show.

"Good evening, my dear family," Nikolaos greeted charismatically, "Did you miss me?"

The reception was so cold that it gave Acacia goosebumps. It was the most awkward position she had ever been in.

"Well, well, the prodigal son returns," the man on the right said. His voice was deep and controlled.

"Nice to see you too, Michalis," Nikolaos responded with much sarcasm before focusing on his grandmother, who still said nothing, "Grandma? I'm home."

"I can see that..." Corinna finally spoke, "I just can't believe it."

"Why? You knew I was coming back."

"Yes, but you've made promises before that you didn't keep."

Acacia could not deny how interesting the family drama was, and they had barely sat down.

"And who is this? Is she the same woman from the photographs?" Corinna asked as she looked at Acacia. Her gaze was like Medusa's; it froze her in place, and all she could do was smile.

"This is Acacia, my fiancée."

All of Nikolaos' family members had the same reaction: shock. Acacia seized the moment to at least have her voice heard.

"Pleased to meet you."

No one had said anything for a while. Then, the woman beside Michalis spoke.

"A fiancée without a ring?" she snarkily questioned

Acacia instinctively covered her ring finger with her other hand. Nikolaos was about to speak, but she beat him to it.

"That's my fault. Nik insisted, but I told him to wait until I quit my job. It would be a shame if I lost it on the clock."

More silence followed Acacia's response; it was irritating.

"You guys are being rude. I understand your issue with me, but can we at least have a normal dinner for the sake of my fiancée?"

"Sit, please," Corinna requested.

Nikolaos led Acacia to the left side of the table, further making the rift look obvious.

"So, you say she is your fiancée. Why didn't you mention her when we last talked on the phone?"

"I didn't expect your call that night. Besides, I was already planning on announcing my engagement in person," Nikolaos casually responded.

"And exactly when did this engagement happen?"

"I proposed a month ago while we were both in Athens."

Michalis' companion snickered in response, drawing Nikolaos' attention.

"Do you have something to say, Penelope?" he asked directly

"Oh no, I'm just surprised, as is everyone. Nikolaos Cassavetes, Athens's playboy, is suddenly engaged."

"Did you think you're the only one who could get engaged?"

"Of course not, but I certainly wasn't expecting you. Especially since just earlier this year, you had a scandal."

Nikolaos clenched his jaw before responding

"You keep up with me more than your own fiancé. That's not a very good look, Penelope."

"Watch your tongue," Michalis immediately chimed in

"Or?" Nikolaos challenged

"That's enough, you two!" Corinna intervened, "For heaven's sake, Michalis, your brother hasn't even been home for an hour, and you two are already at each other's throats."

"Why are you reprimanding me? He is the one talking nonsense already."

"Your fiancée is the one talking nonsense," Nikolaos interjected

"Is she?"

"Yes, like she always is."

"Well, I find a lot of sense in what she is saying."

"No surprise there."

"For your information, little brother, we don't have to 'keep up' with you because your shameless behavior finds its way to us whether we want to hear about it or not."

Penelope covered her mouth and giggled

"And you showing up here, out of the blue, with a woman we've never seen or heard of before is strange."

"It's not only strange, my love, it's also suspicious," Penelope chimed

Nikolaos' breathing grew heavy, and his hands turned into fists.

"What the hell are you talking about?" he asked

"I mean, the way I see it, you either got her pregnant, or she's a gold digger, because the only way I see a woman wanting to have anything to do with you is if you offered her money."

"Hah!" Nikolaos mocked loudly, "You, of all people, have no right to call anyone a gold digger, Penelope."

"And why is that?"

"Because you are one. In fact, you are the textbook definition of it, and the only one who doesn't see it is Michalis."

The tension in the room reached an all-time high as Michalis got to his feet. Nikolaos did the same, and soon all three brothers were on their feet.

"I will warn you for the last time, Nikolaos, watch your tongue," Michalis warned

"You couldn't do anything back then, and you won't do anything now," Nikolaos challenged.

"Stop it, you two!" Adonis extended his arms to separate his brothers

"That's enough!" Corinna raised her voice, making Acacia's heart jump in her chest.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy and stifling. Tensions were high, and emotions were all over the place. Acacia looked up at Nikolaos in fear. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew it wasn't part of his plan.

"You never change!" Corinna went on, "It's always the same nonsense. This is why we can't be a happy family."

"He is why we can't be a happy family. We were doing just fine before he returned." Michalis argued.

"Enough, Michalis! You two can't exist in the same space, so it's best you leave and clear your head," Corinna ordered.

"I'm not going anywhere. I was here first. But he is"

"You don't have to tell me. We were already leaving."

Nikolaos reached for Acacia's hand, and she immediately held his. Pulling her up from her chair, he led her away from the dining room and out of the Cassavetes mansion.