Chapter 44
Elara left the house angry.
Бо хереты
She didn’t even know why she was angry. Marcus had every right to say no. He had a meeting and work, of course things that were actually important. Plus it’s Marcus, he’s nonchalant.
But still, it bothered her. The fact that he couldn’t take one afternoon off. The fact that even on their wedding day, work came first.
She walked down the street. The sun was starting to set. Beautiful orange and pink streaking across the sky.
Her phone rang. Mimi’s name flashed across the screen.
She answered. “Hey.”
“Wait. You’re honestly married? Truth to God? Like actually married married?”
“Yes, Mimi.”
“Do you want me to ask for the wedding certificate? Because I still don’t believe you.”
Elara smiled despite her mood. “I’m married. It’s real.”
“Are you sure this boss of yours isn’t blackmailing you? Because I don’t understand how you’re married to your worst enemy and you’re not making a fuss about it. This doesn’t make sense, Elara.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Everything with you is complicated.” Mimi sighed. “I’m back in New York, by the way. Landed this morning. Can’t wait for you to get back so we can meet up and you can explain what the hell is happening in your life.”
“I will. I promise. As soon as I get back.”
“You better. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended as Elara kept walking.
The restaurant she wanted to visit was a little bit far. Maybe a ten-minute walk. But the time didn’t matter. The beautiful scenery made it feel shorter. White buildings with blue shutters. Flowers spilling over balconies. The sea visible between narrow streets.
When she finally reached the ice cream store, she went inside. It was bigger than she expected. Not just ice cream. They sold bags, clothes, souvenirs, everything.
Elara picked things she needed. And things she didn’t need. She had Marcus’s card. Might as well use it.
A Gucci scarf. Something for Emeka. He’d love it. Maybe wear it to one of those brunches he was always going to.
Mon, May
Chapter 44
A small cute and expensive bag with charms for Mimi. The kind of thing her best friend would actually
use.
She paid and walked next door to the restaurant. Sat down at a table by the window. Ordered french fries, a croissant, and orange juice. She kinda wished she could get cocktails with alcohol, but pregnancy damn.
The food came quickly. She ate slowly. Watching people walk by outside. Mostly couples holding hands, families with kids. Everyone looked happy and relaxed.
By the time she finished eating, it was almost 7 PM. The sky had gone from orange to deep purple. Lights were starting to turn on in the buildings around her.
A guy walked up to her table. The literal definition of tall, dark and handsome. Dark and curly hair, not really afro. Tanned skin. A smile that probably made girls give him whatever he wanted.
He was cute. Really cute. Only God knew what He’d been thinking when He made men like this. They were all just so fine these days.
Elara smiled to herself. God, I’ve added this one to the cart too. It’s not bad to have two or three of these fine specimens around. I’m just a girl.
“Why are you smiling?” the guy asked. His accent was thick. Greek probably.
“Nothing. Just thinking.”
Then a thought came to her. Petty and childish of course but totally irresistible.
Let’s see if Marcus really cares. Let’s play a game.
She slipped her wedding ring off her finger. Dropped it into her bag. Stretched her hand out to greet him.
He shook her hand. His grip was warm and firm, his hands were so soft. “I’m Juls.”
“Juls? Never heard anyone with that name before.”
He laughed. “It’s short for Julius. My friends started calling me that in school and it stuck.”
“I’m Lara.”
You looked at her surprised.
“Oh. Well, I’m Elara. Lara for short. Since we’re both using nicknames.”
They both laughed.
Juls pulled out the chair across from her without asking, Sat down like they were old friends.
“You’re not from here,” he said. Not a question. It was like he was reminding her.
“No. New York.”
“Visiting?”
“Honeymoon actually.”
46
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Chapter 14
The lie came out very smooth and easy. She wasn’t sure why she said it. Maybe to see his reaction. Maybe just to mess with him.
Wait. No. That was stupid. She backtracked immediately.
“I mean, vacation. Just a vacation.”
“Ah.” He smiled wider. “Alone?”
“For now.”
He was fun. Actually fun. The guy had jokes that made Elara laugh all through until she started feeling pains on her cheek. He asked questions that weren’t so boring. Told her about growing up in Santorini. About the tourists who came every summer. About the best places to visit that weren’t crowded.
Elara kept laughing throughout the whole conversation. It was more of aggressive flirting.
By 8 PM, her phone buzzed.
She pulled it out. A text from Marcus.
**Marcus:** Where are you?
She stared at it. Then smiled, she knew what she was about to do will get her into trouble.
Let’s stress your little heart, husband.
She opened the message. Left it on read. Then turned off her phone completely.
Juls was still talking. Something about a beach on the other side of the island. She nodded like she was listening. But her mind was somewhere else.
Marcus was probably pacing now, calling the house staff. Asking if anyone had seen her leave. Getting frustrated that she wasn’t answering.
Good.
Let him worry for once. Let him feel what it was like to be ignored. To have someone walk away without explanation.
“So,” Juls said, leaning forward. “Do you want to see it? The beach I was telling you about?”
Elara looked at him. At his smile. At the way he was looking at her like she was the most interesting person he’d met all week.
This was dangerous. Playing games like this. Sitting here with another man while her husband, well technically fake husband was at home wondering where she was.
But it also felt good. Felt like she had some control for once. Some power in a situation where she usually had none.
“Maybe,” she said. “Tell me more about it.”
Juls’s smile got wider. “It’s quiet. Not many tourists know about it. The water is so clear you can see the
Chapter 14
bottom even when it’s deep. And the sunset there is the best on the whole island.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“We could go now if you want. I have a car.”
Her phone was still off. Marcus was probably losing his mind. And she was sitting here flirting with a stranger in Santorini.
Let’s stress your little heart, husband.
田
AD
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