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 like that? Does he have second thoughts about us? No, no.... I am being paranoiac now. George loves me. He would never do that to me. I'll go to our hiding place and wait for him, even if I have to stay all day waiting for him. My message was clear and I know he got it as Maria reassured me about it.
I arrived at the clearing after half an hour of riding. The sun was shining and birds were singing. Everything was beautiful. It was the first days of autumn. Although yellow leaves were already scattered on the ground nature still was dressed in green and it was wonderful! I took my horse to the river to drink some water and then lied down under an oak tree gazing at the sun playing hide and seek with the leaves of the tree. Many hours passed and I was ready to leave when I heard a horse galloping from afar. I headed to the clearing to see who was coming. Although the rider was several meters away, I managed to distinguish the horse. It was black! Only George's horse is jet black in the village. It was him! My heart started beating like crazy, my emotions many and conflicting. I was relieved that he came but also scared of what he might say to me. What if he wants to break up with me? I'm paranoid again! He's just been extremely busy lately, I told myself, pushing the bad thoughts out of my head. I decided to go back to my tree, sat down and waited for my love to come find me.
A few minutes passed when I heard the horse galloping closer. It stopped and the rider dismounted. I didn't turn to look at him. I was just waiting for him to come closer. I have decided to make him pay for his behavior and I will not back down. He doesn't know how much he hurt me. All these days I was on pins and needles because of his disappearance. He didn't have to keep his distance from me.
The closer the footsteps came to me, the faster my heart beat. When I felt him near me, I closed my eyes and waited for his next move. I felt his body next to me and soon his breath was on my face. My heart was beating so hard I thought it was going to jump out of my body. Unable to resist any longer, I opened my eyes and met two incredible gray eyes! I stood up abruptly. The man in front of me was not George! It was... it was...
-"Hello Contessa! We meet again!" Stavros said giving me a wide smile.
-"You!...How...how did you find me?" Ι mumbled.
He looked at me playfully. Something about his manner flattered and excited me but I couldn't pinpoint what it was. His looks, his confidence... his whole being were so charming to me! The only thing I was sure of was that its existence didn't leave me indifferent. But I was in love with George. Right? Then why I felt that way for this stranger? What was wrong with me? I couldn't let him affect me that much! It was inappropriate! Immoral! Down with me!
-"I've told you before! I always find what I seek..." he replied confidently.
-"Why are you here? What do you want from me?" I asked more annoyed with myself than him.
-"I want to get to know you better" he answered sincerely.
-"Know me better? For what? Why?" I wondered.
-"Because I like you. What else?"
-"You ....you like me!?" I asked in surprise.
-"Yes, why does this surprise you so much? Don't you consider yourself worthy of being loved?" he wondered. I sat there and stared at him like a fool for a few seconds. Why am I so attracted to him?
-"Yes........ yes! Of course ......!" I said puzzled and continued..." But you know I...."
-"Yes?"
-"I......I am engaged to someone..." I said firmly.
-"Oh! You are engaged! Congratulations! Who is the lucky one?"
-"I cannot reveal it yet" I answered stupidly.
-"First time I hear engagement with a ghost"
-"It's not a ghost. It's just that we haven't officially announced it yet!"
- "So it is a matter of days..." he said sarcastically.
-"I'm sorry, but I can't talk to you anymore. I'm waiting for him as we speak. He'll show up any minute. So please, you'd better go."
-"Oh! I see... Although I'm tempted to stay and find out who this ghost is, I'll do you a favor and leave. But before I go, I have to tell you something."
-"What is it?"
-"If I were him I wouldn't let you wait here alone even for a minute. Goodbye, my Countess," he said, kissed my hand and headed for his horse.
His last words were like a knife to my heart. Although he is a complete stranger to me he told the truth. George manages to disappoint me lately. What's wrong with him? Why is he behaving like this? Why is he so indifferent to me?
I waited another hour for him but George never appeared. I decided to return home. Once again, George disappointed me and I don't know why.
I got home when the sun was setting. I quickly went up the stairs. I didn't want to see anyone. I was so frustrated with George that a simple word from anyone could make me explode, especially if that person was Tina. I won't be able to hold myself if she says something offensive to me.
I locked myself in my bedroom and started crying. I totally burst out. Every emotion I had suppressed for so long came to the surface. I cried and cried until I couldn't anymore! Hours later I went down to the kitchen to drink some water. I was really very thirsty and dehydrated.
I was passing out of the living room, when a small light caught my eye and I heard some voices talking softly. It was late at night. We could not have visitors at this time. I quietly approached the half-open door. I saw my father and mother-in-law sitting on one of the sofas and talking. I turned quickly. I wouldn't want to watch their courtship. I was about to leave when I heard Tina call my name. I froze in place! Did they see me? I quickly turned back and tried to see what was going on. Fortunately for me they did not realize my presence. I was about to leave again when I heard George's name too. That intrigued me and made me want to stay and hear more.
-"You have to tell her" Tina insisted addressing to my father.
-"How can you ask me such a thing? How can I tell her that her fiancé doesn't want her anymore because I told him she doesn't have a dowry. She's going to blame me for that" my father countered.
I put my hand over my mouth trying not to scream. "So that was why George avoided me. Because I had no dowry. My God! How did he do this to me? Ηe is supposed to have loved me"
-"It's not your fault my love that she found a complete loser who cared more about her money than her!"
-"My dove how can I say such a thing to her? It's tough! She will be devastated. I cannot...."
-"If you can't tell her I will. She must know everything and she has to understand that we are running out of time. She must get married as soon as possible. We are totally bankrupt. She must sacrifice herself for her family. After all, she owes us! We've been taking care of her all these years!"
-"But to marry her to this old man? I can't do this to her"
-"Is there any alternative?" she asked coldly.
-"Probably not," said my father, bowing his head in distress.
I couldn't wait to hear more. I couldn't bear to hear more. My fiancé disowned me while my father plans to sell me to an old man for money! I did not expect this change in my life. What should I do?
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
Melina's pov:I woke up from the sunlight that entered the room. I looked around anxiously as I did not recognize where I was. Then I realized I was in my new bedroom, in my new home. I made a big sigh. It wasn't a dream. I was really married with a completely stranger. I looked frightened to the left of the bed to realize that the spot was empty. Stavros did not sleep with me yesterday night thank God! Although he reassured me yesterday that he won't do anything I do not want, I wonder how long he'll leave me free from my marital duties. Before self-pity and depression overwhelm me from my thoughts, a knock on the door was heard. A woman in her mid-fifties entered the room with a girl around 18 years old following behind. She held a small tray with a glass of orange juice.The older woman greeted me cordially while the younger put the tray on the table, made a bow and left. I stood up, wore my robe and headed towards the table where the tray was. I took the juice and gently took two s
Melina's pov:Two weeks passed with Stavros traveling most of the days and I getting more and more bored every day. The good thing is that I am alone and no one is disturbing my peace. I had already taken breakfast when I decided to go for a ride with Autumn. It is the last days of November and I intend to take advantage of it. Soon the earth will get colder when the first snow will appear on the mountain peaks, and I will have to reduce my walks with Autumn. If I stop riding, I don't know how to cope with being at home all day. I have nothing to do there. I must find something to occupy myself. Thinking all these, I arrived home. I got off my horse and after I arranged it in the stable, I went inside. When I entered, Aggeliki was waiting for me at the door looking completely scared.-"My....my.... lady.......you have to go upstairs quickly."-"What? Why? What's going on Aggeliki?"It was then that I heard loud voices from the direction of Stavros's office. Somebody was arguing. I look
Melina's pov:Last month, I was mainly involved with the work in the company. Stavros has changed a lot of things in terms of management and mode of operation and gave me a hard time to follow the new ways. Father was never so centralized and never audited so thoroughly the accounting books. Thank God, I had Pavlos, the General Manager, to help me.The situation between me and Stavros, for my benefit remained the same. Nothing has changed. He has kept his promise so far and hasn't pushed me for anything. Ηe respected my need for time and space but he is still provocative and snide. He treats me with contempt and that I cannot stand it anymore. I do not know why he must be so jerk. What does he want to prove with this behavior?He tried many times to talk to me the last few days but our hours did not coincide. I wonder what he might want. I hope he won't try to diminish me or provoke me about anything because I had enough of that crap. Husband or not I will confront him.On the other ha
Melina's pov:The days passed quickly and the long awaited Duke ball was just hours away. I chose a long yellow dress that fitted my body with tulle sleeves to wear. I did a light makeup. Cat eyes and red lips. My hair was tied up in a bun.I paired the outfit with a beautiful fox fur coat. After a few hours of getting dressed and doing my makeup and hair, I was finally ready. I took one last satisfied look in the mirror and headed for the door. As I was going down the stairs, I saw the back of Stavros waiting for me at the top of the stairs. He wore a black tuxedo with a black coat over it. He looked very handsome and masculine. When he realized my presence he turned back and looked at me with amazement.-"You look absolutely charming" he said looking me straight in the eyes. Then he took my hand and gave it a small peck. This action gave me the chills. Although this is not the first time a man touches me, never before has a touch had such an effect on me. I just don't understand wh