Chapter 4 THE BANE OF HER EXISTENCE

Maria's skin glistened under the sun as she stepped out of the airport to look for a cab. She was dressed in a turtleneck grey top and plain black jeans. Thankfully, it was a sunny day and she didn't have to worry about rain or warding off the cold. Her small black box stood beside her and her hair was packed in a bun.

"Cab," She called as soon as one passed by, and as expected it came to a halt.

"What's the address?" the cab man asked, leaning forward a little to get a good look at her. He was rather old, with worry lines on his forehead. However, he smiled warmly at her.

Maria fumbled with her purse as she struggled to bring out her phone to show him the address that Athina had texted her the previous day. She almost grumbled when the purse slipped from her hand, clumsiness had always been a thing in her life contrasting with how calm and collected she looked. As soon as she was able to get her phone out of the purse, she unlocked it and showed it to the patient driver who had on an amused smile.

Realization dawned in his eyes as he looked back at her with a newfound interest.

"Martakis eh?" He asked, eyeing her up and down with greed. Maria cowered two steps farther away from the vehicle. She kicked herself in apprehension when her brain reminded her that the Martakis was one of the wealthiest families in the city and of course many people would want to get their hands on one, probably to ask for a ransom or rob them.

While she still stared at the creepy man, her phone began to vibrate in her hands, it was Athina.

"You didn't think to place a call through to me when you arrived in Greece?" She sounded pissed.

"I was going to take a cab to your house. Isn't that how it's done?" Maria questioned with a puzzled look on her face. Her palms were claimed with sweat and the driver wouldn't go away even though she already warded him off.

"Cab?"

"Yes! A cab. Don't act dumb."

"Why would you take a cab to the Martakis estate when I can send my driver to pick you up?" Athina sounded genuinely confused and Maria almost facepalmed. Of course, they would have a driver. How the thought of them having a driver didn't cross her mind would forever be a mystery.

"Of course. Why then did you send me the address?"

"That was for your parents honey. I know how they can be and your dad would always insist that we gave him an address of where we were going each time we wanted to go see a friend," Athina said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I'm no longer a child Athina," Maria responded, rolling her eyes.

"Whatever, the driver will be there soon. I can't wait to see you!" Athina dropped the call after expressing her excitement and Maria sighed tiredly.

The sun was scorching now and she had to pull out a pair of shades to put on. Luckily, the driver had driven off during her conversation with Athina and she couldn't be more thankful.

A few women passed by her ogling at her back-length silver hair but Maria wasn't fazed. It was normal for people to be shocked at how different it was and in fact, a lot of people believed she dyed it.

She had gotten the hair color from her dad who she was the replica of facially. However, she didn't inherit his height and stamina.

All too soon, a black Peugeot stopped in front of where she stood which was just outside the airport. Maria shifted away from the vehicle and she checked the time, wondering why her ride hadn't come yet.

A man dressed casually approached her with his phone in hand, eyes flickering from his phone to her face before nodding in certainty.

"You must be Maria," he said calmly with his right arm outstretched. His voice was deep but welcoming and his grey eyes held no mischief.

"My ride?" Maria asked, raising an eyebrow and looking back at the expensive car.

"Ah, yes. A little introduction wouldn't hurt would it?" He asked motioning to his still outstretched arm.

Maria took his arm in a handshake and they exchanged names. Kingsley reached for the luggage and escorted her to the car.

Safe to say, the ride to the estate was a smooth one.

Maria's head was rested against the window and she ignored the glances Kingsley kept throwing at her. When they got to the mansion, Maria's eyes widened and she tried to comport herself. The house was bigger than what Athina had described, bigger than the pictures she had seen.

"Gracious Lord," She muttered under her breath.

The walls were painted with an impressive shade of pastel and the floors were marbled. Around the house were perfectly mowed grass and a little garden stood proudly by the side. The oak door creaked open and cool air hit her with force. The air conditioning was on another level. The windows were draped with heavy cream curtains and the sitting room was designed with a burgundy theme.

A shriek tore her away from her ogling and she turned around to see Athina running at her with a bright smile.

"Maria!" She yelled right into Maria's ear before engulfing her in a warm hug. Maria hugged her back with equal excitement and they giggled in each other's arms like school girls.

Athina was glowing an ethereal beauty, her Amber eyes, the only thing they shared in common accentuated her slightly bronzed skin. Her hips and breasts looked fuller than usual and Maria had to step back to take a good look at her best friend.

"Married life does look good on you Athina," Maria exclaimed.

"It would look great on you too! Now come in and eat something." Athina pulled her into the house and to the sitting room.

"Mom sent her home-cooked pie. She misses you so much," Maria announced as she rummaged through her luggage to bring out the neatly wrapped pie.

"She's the best!" Athina snatched the pie from her hands and hastily unwrapped it.

"Always a good mother," Maria chuckled.

***

Maria watched Athina make exaggerated hand gestures as she narrated her experience in the Martakis family and how her relationship with Colton had been going smoothly. Maria was so happy for her, she could see the joy radiating on Athina's face.

"You changed your skincare routine?" She finally asked as soon as the thought crossed her mind.

"No I didn't it's just-" Athina paused and looked away

"Just what?" Maria screeched catching on to the fact that her best friend was keeping a secret. "Just what Athina?" She sat up, prodding further, her hands reaching to tickle Athina till she let the cat out of the bag.

Just then, two male voices bickering noisily reached her ears and her eyes snapped to the door.

"Oh, would you look at that! My husband is back," Athina rejoiced and Maria caught a slight undertone of relief lacing her words. She narrowed her eyes at her best friend mentally noting to ask Athina what that was about. She didn't like the feeling that her best friend was keeping secrets from her.

Maria watched as Athina gave Colton, who was yet to notice her, a kiss on the lips and a cute hug. She whispered something in his errand his attention shifted to her. His deep blue eyes were interesting as usual and his dimpled smile was adorable. One of the factors that had intrigued Athina in the first place was his smile and kindness. He welcomed Maria with a mischievous smile and asked her how her journey was.

Maria and Colton were not so close but they bonded a little over the period Colton was trying to woo Athina. It was an interesting thing to experience. Just as they began catching up, a ping sound made them notice the other man in the room. Maria's breath caught in her throat and she swallowed. Maria shot Athina a panicked look, nobody had told her he would be here.

His eyes were glued to his phone and his eyebrows furrowed like he was having a heated chat with someone. He stood at a proud 6'2 and his cologne washed over her like a smooth breeze. She seemed to fade into the background as she stared at him not paying heed to the conversation Colton and Athina were having in front of her. His gaze lazily shifted from his phone and landed squarely on her. His grey eyes held an unimpressed look and she couldn't help but mirror his expression remembering why exactly she didn't like him.

A scowl covered her features and they had a little staring contest of sorts.

"Hey, Reid. Didn't know you were coming over today," Athina said, breaking the staring contest he and Maria were having.

As soon as he turned to her, a wide smile was plastered on his face and the side of his eyes crinkled. Maria begrudgingly noted that he looked better smiling. She rolled her eyes at her thoughts.

"It's the start of football season and you know how I and Colton are at that time." His voice was softer than usual.

"Besides, I figured you'd need help with teasing this big head," he added pointing at Colton, who grumbled at his words making Athina laugh.

"Hey, remember Maria yeah?" Athina pulled Maria to stand beside her.

"Your maid of honor, yes I do," Reid replied, his gaze didn't flicker to her even once and it irked Maria to no end.

"She's going to stay for a while here. At least I have a partner now," Athina smiled contentedly.

"Welcome," Reid curtly replied.

"We'll head over to the game room now, see you in an hour babe," Colton said and pecked Athina on the cheek.

"Okay, I'll get started with dinner and have someone bring you guys snacks and drinks."

Colton thanked her and told Maria to feel at home before he left.

"You're the best," Reid said to Athina and kissed her on the cheek too before following Colton up the stairs.

Reid did not acknowledge her and she knew it would be an annoying experience to have him around.