~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Around 1.910 A.C. in a small town in Greece~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Melina's pov:
The night of the annual ball is approaching and I still haven't decided what color my dress will be. I am waiting the seamstress to show me some more samples to choose. But all I am thinking lately is him! I am so in love with this man that I can't keep my mind away from him. My God! How much I miss him! I haven't seen him for days. I don't want to wait until the following Saturday, when the Ball will take place. I want to see him sooner but I know that our affair must be kept as a secret at the moment, so I have to wait until he is available again to meet me.
The only one who knows my little secret is my most trustful maid, Maria. I would like to have confessed it to my father too, but since he married that woman, Tina, I cannot. When I was little, I used to share everything with my parents. My thoughts, my emotions, my fears...everything that troubled my little mind. Both my father and mother were very close to me and had great understanding. They never judged me or criticize me. They always advised me and we had established a very friendly relationship. But since my mother died and my father remarried things changed dramatically. His new wife was judgmental to me and sought to create problems between my father and me. Now my father isn't as open and diffuse as he was before. He listens only to her and unfortunately tells her everything. Nothing can be hidden from her. But this wouldn't be a problem if her intentions were good. She always used my secrets against me, so I decided to keep my privacy away from her. Nevertheless, I try to maintain a typical friendly relationship with her for my father's sake. The truth is that she never liked me or cared for me. She always treated me bad when my father wasn't present. Through years, I've learnt to keep my distances from her and avoid getting in her way.
I was rehearsing the dress I finally chose for the ball when Maria came in and with a conspiratorial look she showed that she wanted us to be alone. I quickly requested the seamstress and all the girls with her to exit the room. When we left alone, Maria confided in me that she had seen him wandering around the house. When she found the opportunity she approached him and he gave her a letter for me. He usually sent the letters with one of his servants but not this time. Ηe came in person and gave Maria the letter. In the letter he expressed his wish to meet me in the old chapel outside our small town at noon as he had something important to tell me.
My town is in the region of south east Peloponnese and is called Anthene. The place is full of many acres of olive, lemon and orange trees. Most of the fields belonged to my family until recently. My father sold most of them. According to him, our daily expenses increased and he could not afford them with his current income. I just do not understand that. My grandfather always told me that if you work the fields, the fields will reward you for it. But my father did not follow his advice. And now we are left with a few acres of olive trees, which aren't enough for us because of my step mother's outrageous lifestyle. My natural mother was simpler and more down to earth. She enjoyed spending time in the fields and taking care of the house. She treated all the people who work at home or in the fields in a friendly and respectful manner. But Tina is a completely different person. She is authoritarian and arrogant and treats people with contempt. Although I don't like her ways I have to respect my step mother's wishes as she is my father's wife.
Looking outside the window I realized that I was going to be late. I quickly put on my riding uniform and headed to the stables to take my chestnut horse, Autumn. I told the maids that I would go riding. They knew how much I loved horses so it didn't sound strange to anyone although I preferred riding early in the morning. Fortunately, it was one of those spring days where the sun switched places with the clouds making the day cool. Nature was at its best. Everywhere you saw flowering trees and plants. Flowers in different colors had sprouted along the road. As the horse galloped the sun hid behind the tall green trees which were scattered left and right. Birds were chirping and a light breeze blew through my face and hair as I was riding.
The chapel, although it was outside the town, wasn't far. It was built on a small hill and was framed by tall cypress trees. It stood out from afar as it was the only white in so green. Although it wasn't far it took me half an hour to get there. I didn't push my horse at all. I really enjoy riding in a slow pace.
George was waiting for me outside the chapel. He is the love of my life. We met each other at the local festival two years ago. He is tall with blonde hair and forest green eyes. He is of noble origin as I am. His family is one of the older aristocrats in the area, the famous Andreadakis family. George is a well-educated man with good manners and upbringing. He is the most suitable husband for me and I really hope he'll come to my father soon to ask for my hand. Certainly, my father will not have any objection to this marriage. When that day comes, all of my dreams will come true and I will be the happiest woman in the world!
-"My love you finally came" George said as he approached me. Ηe helped me get off the horse, took my hand and gave it a small kiss.
-"Of course I came. Have I ever let you down?" I replied to him with confidence.
-"No, of course not. It's that I thought that this time you wouldn't manage to escape from the watchful eye of your step mother"
-"You underestimate your love! You know that?" I said trying to look irritated by his lack of faith to my abilities.
-"My love no, I didn't mean to offend you" he said remorsefully.
-"Don't be upset. I am only joking" We stared at each other for a few moments when George took the opportunity, came closer to me and gave me a sweet kiss on my lips. And as the seconds passed the kiss deepened. Oh my God! His kisses always numb my body. I cannot avoid surrendering unconditionally to his kisses and caresses!
-"I've missed you" he said full of lust among the kisses and the caresses.
-"I've missed you too" I told him absolutely enchanted.
-"Μy love I have to tell you something. That's why I've called you here today. Tonight I am leaving for Athens."
-"What? Why?"
-"My father wants to take care some business there. I have to go" he said disappointed.
-"How many days will you stay there?"
-"Around three or four....it depends. If the negotiations go well, I will be back sooner.."
-"Is there a possibility that you will not be able to be at the ball on Saturday?"
-"I really hope not. But it all depends on the buyers."
-"Please be there. I want to see you again. I cannot stand so many days away from you"
-"Ι know my dove. Me neither. Soon I will ask for your hand from your father and we will be together forever " he said hugging me and giving me a lustful kiss.
Melina's pov:I was coming back from my date with George when I heard shouting and yelling coming from my house. As I entered the house the voices got louder especially when I crossed the hall making me realize that the voices were coming from the living room. I approached it quietly and saw my father arguing with two large men dressed in black. Their attitude was very threatening. I stood behind the door and hid. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I wanted to know what was going on. I was worried. I have never heard yelling and screaming in my house before. I carefully looked left and right to check if anyone was coming, and when I was sure that no one was around, I continued to eavesdrop, hoping that my stepmother, Tina, would not catch me, or I would be severely punished.-"The deadline you were given has expired. Our master wants his money back. So give us the money!" one of the men shouted at my father."I did not know that my father owed money to these men. How much? And why
Melina's pov:The days passed very quickly and the day of the Annual Ball arrived. I was in my bedroom preparing my clothes for tonight! Although I knew that George maybe wouldn't be able to come I felt excited. I couldn't wait to tell him the good news!! Oh my God! Father finally agreed to marry the love of my life! I couldn't be happier!My bedroom is quite comfortable, located in the south corner of the house on the first floor. It has two large windows that allow the sun to enter almost all hours of the day. It is decorated in the colors of pale yellow and orange. It has a double bed made of walnut, a mahogany desk and two beautiful chairs decorated in upholstery with flowers in the colors of pink and white. It also has a large wooden wardrobe where I keep all my clothes and hide my diary. But no one can ever know about it.I arranged my evening clothes and went downstairs to have breakfast with my father and stepmother. Breakfast with her isn't the easiest or most pleasant thing t
Melina's pov:-"Hello Miss.....?" the handsome man asked me with a wide smile. Apparently my game didn't displease him. On the contrary, it pleased him, very.-"Er.....I....." I managed to say. I couldn't say a word. I looked like a kid caught stealing a jar of candy. Embarrassed was an understatement. My cheeks should probably be tomato red with embarrassment. How could I do this? What was I thinking?-"Cat ate your tongue Miss?" he asked sarcastically. He seemed to enjoy the whole situation, especially my awkwardness.-"I'm ....I'm terribly sorry Sir. I thought you were someone else......" I mumbled.-"I assume the Mayor wasn't the man you expected either... "he said ironically.-"I .....I .....must.... go" I mumbled and headed quickly to the door.-" Wait" the man ordered taking my hand. In a split second, he was out of his chair and right behind me. He turned me around. Our faces were inches apart. I could feel his breath on my face, so could him. But I couldn't look him straight i
Melina's pov:-"Maria, please tell John to prepare my horse. I am going for a ride!"-"Another date with Mr. George Miss?" Maria asked mischievously.-"Hurry Maria I want to return home before the sun goes down" I scolded her. I feel bad talking to her like this but at the moment I am not in position to explain anything to anyone.-"Yes ....yes.....Miss right away" Maria replied timidly.-"Thank you Maria!"A week passed and although I have informed George that my father knows about us, he has not come yet to my house to ask me for marriage. I understand that he has a busy schedule but I cannot understand why he is avoiding me. I've sent him several messages but he replied to none. What happened? Did Venieris tell him what happened that night? Βut how could he? I never told him that George is the man I was expecting that night and there is no way for him to find it out by himself. Nobody knows about our relationship. Only me, George and my father. Then why George vanished into thin air
Melina's pov:After an awful night I woke up late in the morning with one thought in my mind. I had to find George to sort things out! If what my father told Tina yesterday is real my heart won't endure it! How is possible for the love of my life to refuse me because I don't have a dowry? All his love words, the feelings he showed me for so long were all a lie? Furthermore, I have a bigger problem. I have to find a way to avoid marrying that Old Russian Ambassador, because now that George is out of the picture Tina will insist this marriage to be done and my father won't go against her. Especially now, that my father owes so much money. The end of the week is in 3 days. These guys will be back and I'm sure my dad does not have a penny to give them and they won't be so tolerate as the last time. Oh my God what should I do? Especially now, that we owe so much money. The end of the week is in 3 days. These guys will be back and I'm sure my dad does not have a penny to give them. Oh my God
Melina's pov:I was getting ready for Sunday's church service when Maria told me that father wanted to speak with me. I bet he wants to tell me about George's rejection. He doesn't know that I already know about this and their plans as well. Even if we stay on the street, I won't marry whoever man they have chosen no matter how much my father pressures me. I cannot sell myself for money. Ι can't sell my happiness, my dreams, my feelings. I just can't and my father must understand this one way or another. I'd rather live poorly in a small house than live in a golden cage with a man that his presence alone disgusts me.I know that all these years, my father raised me with all the riches and gave me everything, but what he asks of me is too much.I went down the stairs hesitantly. I headed to my father's office psychologically prepared for what he would ask me. I wouldn't back down. I knocked the door and heard my father's voice from inside telling me to come in. I opened the door and got
Melina's pov:Days have passed very quickly with me mostly staying at my bedroom avoiding everyone. I never gave an answer to my father. He realized that my silence was my way to show my acceptance to my fate. My future husband visited our house many times as I was informed by Maria but I didn't want to see him. I couldn't bear the idea of marrying a complete stranger. A man I knew nothing about. Even if I asked for his name, nothing would change my opinion of him. What man agrees to marry a woman only out of interest? It's so humiliating! Today is my wedding day and it is clearly not what I have dreamed of! Since when I was little I imagined a man who will love me and cares for me like my father did for my mother! The day of my marriage would be full of smiles and happiness, not sadness and pessimism. Maria interrupted my thoughts by entering my bedroom to bring me breakfast.-"Good morning, Miss!"-"Good morning Maria" I said and wiped my tears away.-"Today is a beautiful sunny day!
Melina's pov:The reception was held in my house. The trip to my new house was silent with Stavros looking at me inquisitively. I avoided crossing eyes with him and kept looking outside all the time. I don't know why but his gaze made me feel awkward and uncomfortable. When we arrived all our guests were waiting for us in the garden. We entered the garden and everyone cheered and clapped. All of them wished us to have a happy and long-lasting marriage. It would be the best wish I heard under other circumstances.Although, it was mid- October the weather was sweet and warm, completely different with my inside feelings where there was a tremendous storm. The night was magnificent. The stars illuminated the sky while little candles were placed on the perimeter of the garden and on every table. The tables were beautiful decorated with flowers and there was a big variety of food and sweets on them. I can say that although poor we did a luxurious reception. Ι guess the money came from my new