Past Mistakes
Chapter Eight
“There is only one happiness in life – to love and be loved.” – George Sand
This is not a good idea. I’m so stupid.
Having dinner with Ares was the last thing I’ve ever wanted. I didn’t know what came over me when I agreed with his invitation. I shouldn’t have trust him.
I looked at the city lights that slowly disappeared. I gripped the sides of my seat, controlling the shiver that was building inside my body as Ares was speeding the car so fast – outside the city proper.
“I thought we’re going to have a dinner? We’re heading outside the city.” I was restless and started freaking out. I looked at the familiar houses, trees and streets that we passed by.
“Relax Rachel. I’m not going to kidnap you.” He glanced at me, then smirked.
“This road is heading to the Niarchos mansion. Are we… are we going there?” My voice trembled.
Oh no. This is not happening. Going to the Niarchos mansion was not part of my plan. I couldn’t go there. Not now, not ever.
I stared at Ares. He didn’t answer me. His eyes were focused on the road and there was an odd expression on his face. The scar on his face made him looked like a villain in disney movies at that moment and I got scared.
“Stop the car!”
Ares was driving his car faster now and pretended not to hear me.
“Ares! Stop or I’ll jump out of this damn car!”
“Calm down. We’re just going to have a dinner.”
“But not in the Niarchos mansion! How dare you.” I yelled at him and tried opening the car door, but it was locked. “Open this door, you b@stard! I shouldn’t have trust you.”
“Too late, sweetheart. We’re here.” His eyebrows furrowed.
The car suddenly made a final turn and stopped outside the Niarchos’ mansion iron gates. The gates immediately opened and Ares drove through inside. I noticed the security men in uniform guarding the gates. There were plenty of them.
“You made me hate you more, Ares Niarchos.” I glared at him and he just looked at me with an amused expression.
Damn him.
I refused to get out of the car. I didn’t want to be there at the Niarchos’ mansion. I used to love it before, but now. I hated the place, as much as I hated Ares.
Ares opened the passenger door. “Come on, Rachel. Don’t act like a toddler with tantrums. We’ll just have dinner.”
“No, I won’t. You planned all of this. You lied to me.”
“For heaven’s sake. I didn’t lie. I invited you for dinner and here we are.” He was looming above me, one of his hands rested on the roof of his car.
Darn it. I could smell him… a combination of cologne, musk and pure male scent and it stirred delicious sensations inside my body.
“Either you get out of the car or I’m going to carry you inside the house. Your choice. But I assure you, I prefer the latter sweetheart.”
“You wish.” I got out of the car and rushed to the mansion’s main door.
The mansion looked the same as it was seven years ago. The furnitures in the living room were still in the same place, as well as the vases, paintings and picture frames. I remembered cleaning this part of the house every morning and singing my favorite songs.
Then I noticed the main door, it was different now. It was an automatic door made of metal and with sensor. The thought of how to get out of the house immediately crossed my mind.
“Welcome home.” Ares said.
My heart jumped.
Home? What does he mean by that?
“Where’s your grandfather?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “He’s not here.”
“Where is he?”
“Back in Greece.”
“You mean… you live alone here?”
“Yeah. Sit down and make yourself comfortable. It’s still too early to have dinner.” He went to the minibar counter and poured glasses of wine.
It looked so odd that he was living alone in this very big house with many servants and security guards outside. But I was sure, he was used to it.
I sat down in the armchair and stretched my body. The armchair was so cozy, no wonder it was Ares’ favorite chair. I always see him sitting here before – drinking. I curled my body and leaned my face on the throw pillow.
Ares returned and gave me a glass of red wine. He was watching me intently with a smile on his lips. “You looked like a young girl sitting there. Very cute.”
“Hardly a young girl. I’m twenty five.” I took the glass of wine he offered and sipped on it.
“Yeah, you’re right. Definitely not a young girl anymore.” His eyes traveled from my face, down to my bre@sts and my body.
I felt conscious all of a sudden. Especially when he sat on the wooden center table infront of me.
He was so near and his enigmatic gray eyes were focused on me. I could reach his face… his hair… his lips. I could see clearly the scar on his face. What happened to him? It looked like he suffered from a second degree burn.
“How’s your life, Rachel? Tell me.” He drank his glass of liquor, probably whiskey, then focused on me again.
“My life is boring. You’re not actually interested, Mr. Niarchos.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Why do you always call me, Mr. Niarchos. I’m your husband. Do you want me to call you Mrs. Niarchos also?”
“NO! I am not a Niarchos and I’ve never ever felt being one. Once you’ll sign our divorce papers tonight, our connection with each other will totally end.” I looked at the brown envelope which Ares put on the counter table beside the picture frames.”
“You’re very impatient.”
“I should be. I’m getting married. Besides, its been seven years.”
“Yeah. Seven years and you’ve never came back.”
“Why should I? Our marriage was a nightmare. We were forced into it. Love, trust and respect should be the foundation of a marriage… and sadly… we don’t have that.”
“I know. But I also believe that communication is very important for a married couple. It is the key for a successful marriage. Settle the differences first before taking a major leap. What you did was so childish. You just left, not even leaving a note or an explanation. That was unfair on my part.”
“Childish? Unfair? What about on my part? I was traumatized. You called me a mercenary b!tch and accused me of conniving with my father to trap you into marriage. You thought I won a jackpot marrying a billionaire. My goodness! I don’t need your money. I’m not a gold digger.”
He exhaled heavily. “Of course you’re not.” He shook his head and continued. “I… I got carried away that night. I was upset by your father for pointing that gun on my head, forcing me to marry you. Getting married so early was not part of my plan. I got so drunk on our wedding night. My mind was chaotic and I said vile things on you.” He paused and his head came closer to mine. “I’m so sorry Rachel. I realized that in the morning and all I wanted was to make up with you, to make things right between us. But you already left.”
He apologized. My heart sank. I felt like I was facing the same Ares that I met for the first time. The same old Ares that I fell in love with.
No! He is still a monster. What he did to me is unforgivable.
“You were so rough and you… you forced me.” I glared at him.
He hissed and rubbed his forehead. “Maybe or maybe not. You were very responsive and moaning with pleasure. I touched you Rachel, and you were so ready for me. But I confessed, I was not expecting you to be a v!rgin. You had a boyfriend and you came back late at night in the mansion.”
“He was not my boyfriend. We never even k!ssed, much more having s*x. I never had a boyfriend since birth when I married you.”
He smiled and nodded his head. “I realized that.” He was rubbing his mouth and still smiling.
“Okay fine. You find it so funny.”
“Of course not… I don’t know. I feel relieve, in some way. I’m always amused with you, Rachel.
“HA-Ha.”
“About this boyfriend of yours. Did you sleep with him?”
My eyebrows furrowed. “It’s none of your business.” Actually, I haven’t sleep with Drew yet. We made out several times but we stopped before it gets so heated.
“It is my business. You are still my wife.”
“Until tonight only.” I sipped on my wine.
I didn’t like the way his facial expression changed. There was sadness and anger always. Maybe because of his scars.
“I think dinner is ready.” He stood up and led me to the dining room.
“Okay. I’m starving.”
It was awkward having dinner with Ares. It was actually our first dinner together. The foods and desserts were very delicious. I noticed that everything on the table was my favorite dish.
Ares asked me about a lot of things. My job, college, people I hang out with, hobbies and other things. He showed interest in everything I did.
“How’s Mrs. Diaz?” I asked him.
“She’s not working here anymore. She went home to her country in Mexico last year.”
“Oh.” I felt sad. I was expecting her to be here. I missed her a lot. She was like a mother to me when I was here. “Um… what about dad.”
“You don’t know?”
“About what? I haven’t heard anything about him when I left here.”
“He’s in Asia.”
That was a surprise. I wondered where did he get his money. He couldn’t afford to travel. Unless Ares supported him.
“I guess you’re spoiling him.”
“I don’t mind. He’s my only father in-law.”
We were done having dinner and back in the living room – having coffee. I was so full and sleepy.
“I have to go back to the hotel. I’m tired. Can you sign the divorce papers now?” I yawned and stretched my arms.
Ares put down his cup of coffee and the smile faded on his lips. “I can’t do that.”
I suddenly panicked. “Okay, that’s fine. I know you’re very tired. I’m sure one of you’re chauffers will take me home.” I grabbed my bag and stood up.
Ares was still on his seat, his arms on the armrest and his legs stretched on the center table. His eyes held mine.
I looked at my wrist watch. It was eleven o’clock already. Then I took the envelope on the counter table. “You really need to sign this now. It’s getting late. I’m planning to cut my vacation since dad is not here anymore. I’m going home tomorrow.”
Ares stood up and faced me. “You are not going anywhere. This is your home, Rachel. I WON’T ALLOW YOU TO LEAVE ME AGAIN, EVER.”
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