Chapter 2

The Call

I took deep breaths as I entered the elevator, holding my schedule book tightly. 

My heart was beating fast, maybe from climbing stairs or feeling nervous around Markos. As the elevator went up, I thought of how my ex-husband, who is now my boss, has literally made my life a living hell from working for him.

Each day that went by had me wishing I had a second chance to make things perfect.

A memory popped into my head without me wanting to have it but it pushed itself further into my head. 

Five years ago. I couldn't shake off a memory from my past that I wanted to forget. 

FLASHBACK

Markos stood by our bedroom window, his back was tense and I could tell he was angry with the way he held the wine flute.

 "Tell me it's a lie," he said in a small voice but I just didn't want to lie.

 "I-I kissed him." 

The room suddenly felt colder. Markos looked at me, his eyes filled with surprise and pain.

"You kissed him?" he asked, sounding angry. "You kissed him and jumped in bed with my cousin, right?"

"I didn't plan for it to happen," I replied, crying as tears ran down my cheeks. "I made a mistake, Markos. I'm sorry, I was drunk."

"Ecca," he called softly while running his hand through his dark hair with a scoff.

"Is an apology supposed to fix this mess? You made me a laughing stock, the video is everywhere."

I thought about arguing or explaining, but I couldn't find the right words. I felt lonely and foolish. I had no excuse for my actions, and the guilt was consuming me.

 Markos walked quickly across the room and looked right at me. "Ecca, do you realize what you've done? You've ruined everything for us." He stopped and I saw pain, raw pain in his eyes. “Ecca I loved you. I gave you everything. Why?"

 "I was foolish, Markos! I feel sorry about it every day," I said with a cracked voice. "Please, don't make this decision. Don't judge me."

 But the expression on his face made it clear that it was too late.

I knew what he wanted to say.

"I want a divorce and I regret ever loving you."

PRESENT 

The noise of the elevator bell brought me back to reality. I felt disappointed as I realized I had been so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't realize I had arrived at Markos's floor. 

When I walked in, Markos was already at his desk, dressed impeccably in his sharp suit. He was standing, his back to me as he scrolled through his phone.

I felt tiny next to him. I coughed and held onto my schedule book.

 "Good morning, Mr. Stavros," I said confidently, even though my heart was racing. 

He glanced up at me with intense eyes. We both stayed silent for a moment. Then he sat down and relaxed in his seat with a sly smile on his face. 

"Hello, Ecca. What do you have to share?" 

I opened the book, feeling a bit nervous as I started to read. “At ten, you need to attend a meeting with the board, have lunch with Mr. Wilson at one, and then have a conference call at three."

 He got up from his desk and walked over to me, standing really close. I could feel the warmth coming from him, and it was distracting. 

"What about tonight?" he inquired, speaking softly and hinting at something.

I glanced up and locked eyes with him. I noticed a hint of danger in his gaze. "Tonight you're having dinner with your wife, Ophelia," I said calmly. 

He nodded, his smile growing wider. "Oh, sure. Ophelia," he mockingly said with a sneer in his voice. It made me feel uneasy, not knowing how to reply. 

Before I could move away, he gently touched my face, pushing a loose strand of hair back. It felt kind and close, giving me chills.

 "Say something, Ecca," he said softly, almost whispering. "Are you thinking about me?" I stood still, feeling my heart race. I wasn't sure how to respond, too nervous to say anything. He moved closer to me, almost touching his lips to mine.

 "I'll assume you're saying yes," he said confidently. Before I could respond, he kissed me sharply and passionately, his hands traveling through my sides until they reached up and caught my breast and squeezed tightly and I gasped. 

It was short, but it made me remember all the things I had lost. 

I should have pushed him but it seems I was enjoying it until I heard the door slam open. 

I looked and saw Ophelia standing in the doorway, looking really shocked.

"What's happening here?" she asked loudly, making her voice heard in the office. 

I moved away, feeling embarrassed as my cheeks turned red.

"Mr Stavros...." I started to speak, but she cut me off. She angrily walked over to me and slapped my cheek hard sending blinding pain through me.

"Slut. Who do you think you are?" she spat, her eyes filled with fury.

"How could you even try to flirt with my husband?"

I stepped back, holding my sore cheek. "I didn't—"

 "Don't lie to me!" she said sharply, looking at Markos.

 "Why did you let this devil seduce you?" 

Markos looked, crossing his arms with a calm and detached expression.

"She is my secretary, Ophelia. I didn't see it coming. She forced herself on me."I never believed he could say something like that and my heart broke.

"Leave," Ophelia told me, pointing towards the door. I paused, looked at Markos once more, but he ignored me. 

I left quickly, feeling embarrassed, my cheeks burning.As I got to the hallway, I rested my back against the wall and sobbed quietly.

Just then my phone rang , distracting me momentarily.

It was my son's teacher.

"Ms Rivers." She said. " I think you should start coming to the school right now. Something has happened to Timothy.