Chapter 2
2
N ight had fully fallen by the time the limo glided through tall iron gates. Under the glow of strategically placed lights, a sprawling Mediterranean-style house––mansion, really–– spread out before them. Armed guards flanked the entrance. The car stopped, and Michalis climbed out, then reached back for Aurelia. She ignored his hand and slid out on her own. She’d realized an hour ago that he had no intention of taking her back to her hotel, and was still fuming.
“This way,” he ordered.
She surveyed the security detail—men in dark suits, all on high alert. Her throat tightened. It was, and wasn’t, exactly as she remembered it: lavish and beautiful, yes, but the intricate ironwork on the bottom windows and doors that had once made her feel safe and protected now seemed like prison bars.
Inside, they traversed a grand foyer with polished floors and a vaulted ceiling. Staff and guards paused to stare at her. Not a single face was familiar to her. She lifted her chin, refusing to show weakness. If Michalis thought he could intimidate her into compliance, he was mistaken.
He ushered her into a private study. The door shut, leaving them alone. The decor was all dark wood and old-world charm, with leather chairs and an ornate desk. His office.
“Sit.” Michalis pointed to the chair across from his desk.
She refused, standing near a bookshelf. “I’m not here to make myself at home. Sign the papers and let me leave.”
He leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. “No,” he said simply.
Her patience snapped. “Do you think this is a joke?”
“No.” He studied her, voice controlled. “Do you think you can just walk away again? We have things to discuss. Your safety is only one of them.”
Aurelia tapped her foot impatiently. “There’s nothing to discuss, Michalis. We’re hardly more than strangers. We never should have gotten married in the first place and the mistake is easily rectified. We never slept together, never consummated the marriage. I’m not asking for a settlement. I don’t want your money. All I want is out so that I can move on with my life. You’ll just have to find someone else to be your shield.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, come on. I haven’t been dead these past seven years. I have eyes. I can read. Every time I turn around, there’s another post on social media with you and some new woman. I bet it’s been convenient, all these years, being married to an absentee wife, giving you the perfect excuse not to get serious with any of them, yet not having me around, cockblocking you. Not that they seemed to care much that a ring on their finger was never on the negotiating table. I guess being mistress to the great Michalis Giannopoulos was just too tempting to pass up.”
He smirked. “You sound jealous.”
“Ugh!” She stomped her foot. “Get a grip. If I was jealous, I wouldn’t be trying to get an annulment! Why can’t you just––”
“Enough.” His voice cut through her protest. “You can have your tantrum later. For now, you’ll stay in a guest room. Don’t try to leave. If you behave, we’ll talk more tomorrow.”
She stared, heart pounding. “Tantrum? Excuse me?! You have no right––”
He moved closer, the tension thick as molasses. “I have every right while you carry my name.”
She bristled, recalling the empty vows. Legally, they were still husband and wife. Not for much longer , she told herself. But his unwavering glare shook her confidence. Glaring, she countered, “I never used your name.”
He glared right back. “Then you will start.”
A knock sounded. One of Michalis’s guards stepped in. “Night security team is here. Need anything before the day shift heads out?”
Michalis glanced at her. “Escort Mrs. Giannopoulos to a guest suite and secure her phone.”
Aurelia almost screamed a denial at the guard’s surprised look, but her retort lodged in her throat as he recovered almost instantly. He came forward and gripped her elbow, gently but firmly. “This way, Mrs. Giannopoulos.”
She glared at Michalis. “You can’t do this.”
“I already have,” he countered smoothly.
Aurelia had no choice but to allow the guard to escort her to her room and confiscate her phone. Behind her, Michalis remained standing, the unopened annulment papers resting on the desk like a silent challenge.