Escape to the French Riviera

Chapter Thirty-Three

As I consider the fact that Elias has lied to me once again, I think about my journey these past few months when I arrived in the French Riviera. I came here believing that I would never trust any man again, and look what’s happened. I have been proved right not to trust anyone.

Perhaps I just got carried away with the beauty of the region and the fondness that grew between Elias and me. This magical place spurred me on to believe a stranger’s words and to write the love story that I always wanted to. As I finish off my book, I reflect on how it isn’t about a knight on a white horse saving a damsel in distress, but about a man who helps a woman love herself again and find out what she really wants from life through deep conversations long into the night under the stars. Something that happened in real life with Elias. But now, as I am about to type in the final words of the book I have longed to write for many years, I hesitate. Is there really such a thing as an honest, loving man? I am beginning to have my doubts.

I should be celebrating this moment with Elias and not sat here alone with the realisation that he has lied to me yet again. I am glad I didn’t confront him over the phone, as I think the frank discussion we need will be better done in person. So, I decide not to mention anything until he returns, when I imagine I will leave here and never see Elias again. I recognise that I made the mistake of letting my barriers down, and the lovely dream I had started to believe in has come crashing down around me. The disappointment is too much, and I burst into tears. It feels ironic, crying somewhere so beautiful, with so much luxury around me. If a stranger saw me in this villa, they’d think I have everything, but I have never felt so despondent and disillusioned.

As promised, three days after Elias flew out, a hire car pulls into the driveway. At least he kept his word about not staying away too long.

Elias is full of smiles as he walks in and wraps his hands around my waist. I kiss his cheek gently but can’t reciprocate his enthusiasm at our reunion.

‘Oh, I missed you. It’s so good to be back.’

‘Yeah… Me too. How were things with Danny? All sorted?’

‘Yes. He kept saying there was more to help him with, even as I walked out the door. But I refused. I wanted to get back to the beautiful lady waiting in the sunshine for me.’

I manage a smile, although my head is full of questions.

‘So, what have you been up to? Have you been swimming every day? Did you venture to the beach? Tell me all about your stay,’ says Elias.

‘Oh. I’ve been working the whole time. I managed to finish the book.’

‘You did? Well, that means we must celebrate tonight. Why didn’t you say anything on the phone when we spoke?’

‘You were busy with Danny and, anyway, I only just finished…’

‘Is everything okay? I thought you’d be over the moon that you finally finished the book. I thought this was your life-long dream. What’s up?’

Elias has hardly put his bags down, and I am still making us a coffee. I can’t plough into him right away, but neither can I stand not saying what is on my mind. I let out a big sigh.

‘What is it?’ asks Elias once again.

‘It’s just that… Well… I asked you who owned this villa.’

‘Yeah, and?’

‘Well, the next-door neighbour said it was someone from the UK.’

‘And there are lots of people from the UK who buy places in France. I don’t get what you’re trying to say.’

‘When I asked you who owned the villa, you specifically said it was someone French.’

‘I may have said I thought it was, yes.’

‘But I think it belongs to you and for some reason you won’t admit it.’

‘Why would I do that?’

‘Because you don’t trust me.’

Elias shrugs his shoulders. ‘Don’t be silly.’

‘One minute. I want to show you something.’

I get up to leave the table and pull out the letter I have kept safe until Elias returned.

‘Look, it’s a bill for you with this address on. Utility bills aren’t sent to people who are renting a holiday let.’

Elias looks at the letter and then at me. ‘Where did you find this?’

Is there an easy way of saying I have been snooping about?

‘I was looking for something that would tell me who the rental company was. I told you I was worried if I had a problem while you were away, I wouldn’t know who to contact. So, I looked everywhere and found this.’

‘Well, what can I say? I am so very sorry.’ Elias avoids looking at me but instead gazes outside towards the pool.

‘I really didn’t think you’d lie to me again. You lied about owning the yacht, and now this. You obviously think I’m some money-grabber.’ I am livid. I just want him to tell me why he does this. Why does he still not trust me?

‘It’s not like that. I told you. I don’t want people knowing what I own. I’ve always been a private man. My dad was the same. How much money people earn or have is nobody’s business except their own.’

‘Well, maybe you shouldn’t go out buying yachts and fancy villas then. It’s bound to attract attention.’

‘After working hard all my life, having an almost lethal heart attack, losing my beloved wife, and then having some luck on the lottery, don’t you think I should be able to spoil myself a little?’

‘Yes, of course, but everything we’ve had between us has all been based on lies and now there are more lies. How can I trust you when you lie to me? I already knew about the lottery win. You owning a fancy villa wouldn’t have changed anything.’

‘I know. I’m sorry. Nothing I say is going to sound acceptable. I understand that. But, look, I’m just not used to asking someone to come and stay in my pad in the French Riviera. It sounds so pretentious. I wanted to invite you here, but I didn’t want to come off like some Lothario who invites women out here. I just felt it was easier if I didn’t go into any of that. I messed up,’ says Elias. Then he pushes his coffee cup away and gets up to leave the room.

I know Elias isn’t the confrontational type, but we need to talk about this. We have had conversations about how lonely he was after his wife died; we have talked about his sons and the issues they have struggled with since their mother died, but this is something we can’t seem to get past. Maybe this lottery win is a curse, and it would be a lot easier if he didn’t have the money. I want to love Elias for himself, not what he’s got, but he doesn’t seem to get it.

There is nothing left to do but pack my bags and head back home. Poppy and Jasmine will never forgive me for ruining their summer plans, but that’s the least of my worries right now.