Hate At First Sight

Carter Monteiro is a very sweet, caring and loving guy, but the mere mention of Athena's name, made his personality flips and swirls. She just irritates him and it doesn't help that Athena is not making any effort for him to like her. She provokes him as much as possible.

Athena hates Carter. For her, he's the reincarnated Lucifer. Everything she does, he contradicts. He said that she's reckless, irresponsible, rebellious and could not make a right decision. Worse of all, he thought that she's the dumbest person on earth! If only he knows.

Are their personalities just really don't match? Or there's something going on that they themselves only know. Do they really hate each other or they're just pretending?

"Quit playing games with my heart, Carter."

"Then, don't shut me out, Athena."

Athena Niarchos is the daughter of Ares Niarchos and Rachel White, from the heartwarming, sensual and passionate love story, The Sins of the Past. Just like her parents, Athena has a strong character, not clingy, emotional or sensitive. Being independent is part of her defence mechanism to prove to everyone that she can stand on her own. Her experience of bullying made her struggle to accomplish something, to put her name on top without using her parents' influence.

But her nemesis, the ever hateful Carter Monteiro blocks her way when she's about to accomplish her goal . He won't leave her alone until he'll see her crumbling down on the ground, crying and defeated.

"He won't see me cry... never. I won't be weak in front of him."

1

Athena's POV

What is Hate?

When you search HATE on Google, it says that it's when you feel intense or passionate dislike for (someone). It's synonym is loathe, detest, despise, dislike, abhor, execrate and so much more.

In Urban Dictionary, it says that hate is when you dislike someone so much that if you and that other person were in an empty room with a knife in the middle, one or both would be dead.

People are driven to hate someone, because that someone did something to make them angry. And that anger keeps on escalating to the highest peak, for whatever reason.

You wish he'll just vanish in the whole universe or get assigned in the war zone area and stay there forever. Sometimes, you will get the urge to murder him and chop him into tiny little pieces-without caring at all of the consequences.    Everything about him just irritates you, even the good things that he did for others. You always assume the worse of him.

That's what I feel for Carter Monteiro.

Contradictory to the Oxford Dictionary, Meriam, the Wikipedia, Google,    or whatever dictionary in the world, for me, the only meaning of HATE is my nemesis Carter Monteiro. And Hate is even spelled C-A-R-T-E-R.

I hate the guy, extremely hate him. He's the most obnoxious, arrogant, bad-mannered, ungentleman and meanest asshole animal that ever existed in this planet – even the whole universe!

No... no way. Categorizing him as an animal is a big insult to the animal species, especially to the adorable cats, dogs and rabbits. Carter Monteiro is nothing but a beast! A reincarnated Lucifer!

Well, there are things I love about Carter though...

First: I love to see him... fall inside the dirtiest mud hole. He'd be so damn gorgeous for all the swimming worms, rats and leeches.

Second: I'd adore him... if he'll be trapped inside a cave of nowhere. I can imagine him chased by hungry bats and mosquitoes. That will surely give me the biggest laugh.

Third: I love to watch him... inside an abandoned cemetery alone with eerie sounds of crickets and howling dogs. I want to see him tremble and shiver with fear. Let's see how far his fearless macho gigolo act would go.

Well, I'm not such a bad person wishing him dead. I may be a bitch, or act like a real bitch sometimes, but I don't wish anyone dead. Even in animals, fishes or insects like ants or a worms. I don't want to see them suffer –    another reason why I'm trying to be a vegan, but often fail.

HA! I almost yelled.

I let out a long sigh and left the annoying highlighted news online below the internet search box. Darn it. I shouldn't have looked at it in the first place, it just spoiled my day.

The news: Carter Monteiro dated a celebrity lawyer, Jenna Justice last night in a very fancy new French restaurant in California. They looked so good together... blah blah blah... I scanned the words and read only the ones in italics.

She's very smart. Carter answered when he was asked what he liked about Jenna Justice.

"Shush! You said the same thing when you dated a veterinarian last month!" I knew I looked stupid being alone in the car making funny faces and imagining myself talking to Mr. Hotshots Carter Monteiro. "Smart-- smart-- smart. Everyone got it, okay! You only date smart girls."

I lifted my phone again and it instantly opened when my face was detected. I touched the google search box and typed Old Smith Art Museum.

I was looking for some old images of the Old Smith Museum and compared it to the actual museum standing in front of me. I immediately found a picture taken a hundred years ago and was surprised at the changes on the appearance of the museum.

It used to be a beautiful white building, but now it turned gray with patches of black molds, fungi and dirts and the cracks were visible on the mouldings and windows. The once well manicured grass and flowers with lively healthy trees that surrounded the whole building were all gone. There was no single flower left and the grass grew too long, in green and brown colours. The trees were cut down because it was constantly attacked by insects and pests.

I was in Huntington New York, sitting inside my white Ferrari 458 that was facing the Old Smith Art Museum while waiting for my appointment with the owner, Mr. Jameson Murphy.

I arrived thirty minutes too early. I guessed I was just too excited to tell him the news in person that I was pushing through in buying the building-- the whole museum persè, including the arts, artifacts, antique items, priceless paintings, rare collections and everything inside the museum.

I had been wanting to get hold of the museum the first moment I saw it. My friend, Nick Young mentioned it when we bumped at each other at Starbucks cafe. The owner-- Mr. Murphy was his former history professor and was force to sell the museum because no one among his children would care in running it. Nick knew that I was a sucker of arts, paintings and artifacts. We both are. We became good friends after meeting often in many art gallery exhibits. So I said yes, and he introduced me to Mr. Murphy right away. Now, I'm so excited to get hold of the said property.

I always dream of having my own art museum and gallery. Since I was a child, I developed my fascination in arts and designs in different medium, historical items and unique pieces. I enjoyed taking care of precious things, no matter how big or small there were-- just watching them gave me utmost happiness.

I know this is something that I would excel, and I know that my parents would be so proud of me. I want to follow my heart's desire... and this is it.

Even my boyfriend, Zion Petrakis supported me. Yesterday, I had a chance to talk to him about the museum and showed him how much I wanted to acquire it.

"How much?" Zion asked without removing his eyes from the document he was signing.

He was a very busy man, every minute counts on him. Different businessmen all over the world would come to see him and ask for his appointment - hoping to do business with the Petrakis. He was even busier than my dad or anyone I knew in the business world. And now, I was only given fifteen minutes by his secretary to talk to him-- and to think I'm his girlfriend.

Zion was a workaholic. Ever since he graduated university six years ago, then worked in his family business, he had been so occupied non-stop working sixteen hours everyday. I often wondered if he would grow tired of the routine-- working like there was no tomorrow.

What is wrong with him?

Even his parents thought the same. The once happy jolly teenage boy I knew became a hard emotionless man. I could not even remember the last time he really smiled.

He really needed a vacation, but no one could drag him away from work - even me who is his girlfriend.

One time, I had a courage to tell him that he was torturing himself by being a slave at work, he did not have to work too hard, because money wouldn't make him happy. But in return, he just looked at me very oddly, like I was out of my mind - a lunatic. Since then, I kept my mouth shut. I was just embarrassing myself.

"It's two billion dollars." I answered and saw his expression changed in disagreement.

"It's a lot of money for a small property."

"I know. The items in the museum made it very expensive, and it's even worth more than two billion dollars, Zion. I had it inspected by a professional art appraiser."

"You can invest it to a more profitable business that will double your money in five years. That way, it's worry free and less hassle. You can do whatever you want-- travel around the world, just relax, take a vacation and go shopping."

That's a great idea! Why don't you do that? I wanted to tell him to do what he suggested but stayed quiet.

Though he was right about investing the money instead of buying a museum. He made me think twice. Handling money, managing finances and proper investments was his forte, I should trust his opinion.

But my alter ego did not want to give in.

"This is what I want Zion, my dream since I was a kid to live in a museum. I always envision myself as a medieval princess that dances around the museum while you're playing football, smashing the priceless urns and waking up the spirits of the dead pharaohs... " My imagination run wild as I continued talking and trying to make him laugh, but Zion was oblivious to everything that I've said and interrupted me.

"I still think that its not a good investment." He said firmly.

Did he listen to me or not? I guess not...

I heaved a sigh. I gave up. I could not make him laugh. I forgot, he was an emotionless robot. I checked the time on my wrist watch. Darn it! Time is running too fast, I only have five minutes left with my boyfriend.

"I'm going to use my trust fund."

He stopped signing a document and finally, looked at me straight. "You can only get it when you're twenty five, right? You still have two more years to go, Athena."

There was that tone again, sounding like an older brother rather than my boyfriend.

I cleared my throat and said what I really meant to say to him. "Unless I'll get married very soon."

"You sound very desperate to get hold of that museum." He tossed the signed documents in his outgoing tray.

"I am desperate. I want that museum as soon as possible, before anyone would. Will you help me Zion? Let's get married and.." My statement was cut off when the door opened and his secretary came in to inform that his next appointment was ready.

I had no choice but to stand up. But I needed his answer before I would go. "What's your answer? Will you help me?"

He looked at his watch impatiently then nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Of course. I'll see you soon, Athena."

"You mean you're agreeing on marrying me for the museum?"

I saw the hesitancy on his expression, but eventually he nodded. "Yeah. I'll marry you." He said it firmly like he'd just closed a deal.

Hmm... I wondered if I should give him a kiss or shook his hand. But nah...I did not want to embarrass myself again.

Zion is Zion, that's what he is. He's my boyfriend but we don't do romance. Weird huh? But I'm very patient with him. Someday, he will learn to open up his heart and love me in return.

I went out of the building singing.

Carter's POV

Finally I arrived in New York where I could take a deep breath and spend time with my family. My job in California was partly done and I was back here to concentrate on another project -- though a smaller project, but something that I really anticipated because I would be building my very own hotel this time.

I was tired but the thought of it made me energize. The adrenalin rushing inside my body kicking my gut and pushing me to go far and beyond. I could not wait to start.

I would create my very first five-star hotel and beach resort, a haven like no other. I envisioned to bring the Maldives beach in New York, create a replica of Sutherland Falls in New Zealand and Kawasan Falls in Cebu Philippines. It would feature many shops, nightclubs, spas, convention and activity centres, garden arena and amusement parks spread all over the 150-acre of land.

I had been working on the structural plan and designs of the hotel since I earned my engineering degree at Harvard University two years ago. I made all the necessary blueprints and stored it safety in a plastic tube container hidden inside the armoire wardrobe closet of my New York apartment, waiting for the time to make that dream happen -- and that time is now.

My grandfather, Lucas Monteiro acquired the property from his late father, Enrique Monteiro. Grandpa Lucas passed on the whole estate to me when I graduated university.

"You will build your very first hotel in this area of New York, Carter. It had been your great grandfather's wish for me, but I failed him, so does your dad. You will build it for us and continue the legacy of the Monteiros to build the world's greatest hotels."

"I will grandpa, you can rely on me."

"I know. You're very different from the rest of us Monteiros." Granpa Lucas smiled nodding his head. "I like that you grow up very humble, low profile, simple, frugal and pragmatic."

Something that I adapted while living in the Philippines. I was thirteen years old when my family moved in Cebu Philippines to construct the biggest hotel project. It took five years to finish the whole project and I was there, witnessing how the hotel grew from dusty barren land to a monstrous five star hotel fully equipped with hi-tech amenities. I was fascinated and decided to be like dad, and make bigger hotels.

I was acquainted with the locals, talked to the workers and studied in a Catholic school -    University of San Carlos. I hung out with my Filipino friends more often-- going to the mall, watching movies, exploring the beaches and waterfalls, island hopping and so much more. I had so much fun growing up and living like a Filipino.

I went out of the airport and immediately saw my parents' black Bentley Bentayga Mulliner.

"Good morning, Mr. Monteiro. How's your flight?" The chauffeur Buzo, a Malaysian-Bristish guy in his early thirties greeted with a half bow as he opened the passenger door for me. He was a former chauffeur of an Arab royal family and adapted the same formally to us, even wearing his classic black uniform and matching hat.

"It was good" I answered and settled at the backseat.

I took the one a.m. flight in California and after six hours of flying, I arrived here in New York. I checked the time it was ten in the morning in New York.

"No more crying baby beside you?"

"Nope, not this time. I was squeezed between a snoring old man and a panicky nervous woman. But it was okay, I was able to sleep for a few hours."

I always took an economy commercial flight whenever I flew alone. I was not the type of person who would waste money on a business class accommodation, paying expensive plane dinners, paying extra for a good seat or getting a plane insurance. I don't see a good reason when all passengers would arrive at the same time.

"Ah-- you can relax now, sir. Where are we heading? To your apartment or your parents' mansion?"

"To my apartment." I decided to take a quick rest then go out in the afternoon to start on my project. Time is gold, I can't waste a day accomplishing nothing.

I was feeling a bit tired after three consecutive nights of working, preparing for the grand opening of our new hotel and beach resort in California.

During the grand opening, too many guests came - celebrities and famous rich people in different corners of the world, checked-in in the hotel, curious to see the main attractions -- a mini ocean park, man-made waterfalls and pink beach.

The crowd was endless, partying and dancing all day and night with live performances by Cold Play, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Drake and K-Pop superstars BTS.

"What's going on?" I asked when the car did not move when we were outside the airport.

"I think there's an accident at the roundabout."

I leaned my back against the car seat and looked outside the window. Instantly, I was on eye to eye with a woman... the only woman who could arouse intense anger inside me. Making my very calm and quiet self shattered the moment I saw her.

"Fuck!" I muttered.

An image of Athena Niarchos in a very provocative skimpy two piece black bikini in a huge billboard just outside the airport.

Damn woman. She might as well got naked, she left nothing to any man's imagination!

She was in the billboards in California, and now she invaded New York too!

I remembered my conversation with my personal assistant, Jim Cox yesterday. I was so upset when I arrived in the office and saw the huge infuriating picture of Athena Niarchos in front of our office building.

"Jim! Make sure to get that fucking image out of that billboard. Talk to anyone-- the owner of that damn billboard, the advertiser or the fashion company..."

"But sir, don't you find her so gorgeous?"

"NO. I don't want to see that again when I get back. That is bad for the business!"

Jim nodded. "Yes sir, I hear you."

"Good."

What the hell is wrong with this woman. All her images were the same. She was almost NAKED! In sexy bikinis, negligees, swimwear and underwear. There was a picture of her wearing jeans, but she was not wearing any shirt at all. She just covered her breasts with her hands.

She flaunted her body, baring too much skin.

Is she on drugs now?    She's like practicing to be a porn star!

I did not understand. How could her parents tolerated her to pose in nude. Besides, why did she has to work as a model when she could have helped managing their family's group of companies. Her father was one of the world's respected billionaires and they owned banks, a real estate business, brewery and recently, a telecommunication venture.

And my cousin Zion. Didn't he care about his girlfriend? He seemed not to mind what his girlfriend was up to. Or he just did not care at all. He was so busy running their family businesses, working so hard that he was not mindful of his surroundings anymore.

I stared at the billboard in front of me again, studying Athena Niarchos' face, her body and curves. I frowned, feeling disgusted at the sight of her.

Why the hell did they change that old photo. It used to be a billboard of a happy family in a mackerel ad last week? So extreme that they replaced that inspiring ad that promoted family values to this kind of ad-- nothing but to lure men and stimulate sexual fantasies.

"That girl is very pretty." Buzo interrupted my thoughts.

"Who?" I pretended that I did not understand him.

"That girl in the billboard."

"Oh- that girl." I exhaled heavily and closed my eyes. I was glad that the traffic was moving now.

I understood how men went crazy for her. Much as I hated her, I could not deny that she has a pretty sexy body. Not the typical very thin model but she had curves and in the right places.

Fuck! I don't want to think about that bitch. She irritates the hell out of me.

I thought about my first date with Jenna last night. We had a great time dining in that new French restaurant. She looked so tough, overly confident and intimidating inside the courtroom, but I realized last night being alone with her, that that was only for a show. She was actually so sweet, one of the sweetest girl I knew, demure, caring and gentle. Of course very smart and articulate. It was so easy to talk to her, we clicked instantly. Definitely, she was the type of girl that any boy would be so proud to bring home and meet his parents.

Too different from Athena, who was like a blazing fire -- an inferno.

What the-- Did I just compare her with Jenna?

I did not want to be mean, but they were extremes and beyond incomparable. In terms of personality, education and intelligence -- Jenna aced it. Well, in beauty and body... Athena had a little advantage, but that was not important. It would fade eventually.

I pity the man who would marry Athena Niarchos already. If that's my cousin Zion, goodluck to him. He's in for a great disaster.

If not for the lifelong friendship and business partnership of Niarchos and Petrakis, probably Zion would not allow himself to be in a relationship with Athena.

Athena on the other hand, would give up anything to be in a relationship with Zion. That crazy girl had a great crush on Zion ever since... I guessed since she first laid eyes on him. She worshipped him and would kiss the ground he walked onto.

Crazy. I would never be in that kind of relationship.

I arrived in my apartment and I was able to get a good rest. I had a good homemade lunch prepared by my cook-- a chicken Singapore noodles, beef steak and baby spinach avocado salad.    Afterwards, I answered some of my emails then had an hour of sleep.

I felt so refresh after waking up. I immediately took a shower to get ready for my appointment.

The image of Athena lingered in my mind. Stupid woman. Someone should tell her to stop posing for nude photos. She was only degrading herself.

That's skimpy bikini... her aroused nipples like small pebbles that marked against the fabric... that small mole on her inner thigh...

Dammit!

I suddenly got angry at the thought of her. I looked down and saw my manhood. It was so angry as well.

After thirty minutes, I was driving my blue Audi RS 7, heading to Huntington.