Angrily I pushed the unwelcome thoughts aside taking a deep breath before pushing open the double doors to the drawing room. The Italian woman looked just as beautiful and elegant in the bright lights of the morning as she had in the evening before. Formally dressed in a pink-colored dress with a perfectly beautiful matching pearl around her slender throat. “Forgive me for coming late,” I said more politely than I felt, knowing instinctively that this visit will be an unpleasant one for me. I didn't want to entertain her but I was just a guest here and since Marc was not around I had to tolerate her. “It doesn’t matter, Ada told me that you had just had your breakfast and went into the room,” Bella said haughtily. Her cold eyes flickered over me like a snake preparing to strike. I suppressed an inward shudder certain now what Bella intended to make my mood into.” I don't wish to be rude Bella but shall we get to the point of your visit? I can't honestly believe that you have come here to make a social call, not to me at any rate, and as I'm told that Marc is resting at the moment. Since you have already told me what you want from me why did you bother coming here.” “That I already know,” Bella answered with a dismissive shudder. “Marc told me yesterday that he would be taking a rest as he was very tired with the things going on in the house. And yes as you so rightly said, I would not normally make a social call, on Someone Like You !” I gave a small gasp at the sheer straightforwardness of the women.“I assure you that I have survived very well without this visit but as you are here shall we go on? I have things to do.” Bella glanced in my direction before resuming her seat with grace and picking up her coffee cup. As if she was the mistress of the house. “Shall we sit down? This may take some time .” She said wickedly. “As I said, I have things to do,” I answered quietly looking at my watch with obvious impatience. “ Nevertheless, I feel sure that you will wish to hear what I have to tell you. Something which I feel sure that you ought to hear for your good you understand?” “I am pleased to hear that you have my best interest at heart Bella .”The other woman's face turned red and angry under my mocking stare and putting down her coffee Cup, she gathered together her bag and gloves and looked at me facing my face. “In the normal case of events, I do not pretend that I would have any attempt to help you but I believe this unsuitable marriage between you and Marc has more than run its course. And while I understand, why he should wish to prolong it a little to gain his revenge.. .” She paused a moment to regard me with undisguised hatred, obviously savoring my discomfort.“Let's not play a game shall we?” I interposed amazed that my voice could sound so unconcerned when inwardly my stomach was churning alarmingly. “ Why should prolonging a marriage help Marc gain his revenge? I would have thought that seven years of being tied to a woman you hated would be long enough for anyone! “I walked away from Bella and turned to look outside the window. Now if you have finished what you came to tell me …..” She cut me short and said.” Oh but I have not finished! I understand that Marc has told you to wait for a week then only he will divorce you right? After a moment's pause Bella added, “you choose to remain silent on this matter first, perhaps even you are capable of some sense of shame! But I'm sure of my facts in this. You see Marc himself told me of the arrangement. “As I tried to speak Bella interrupted me again and held up her hand in a dismissive way. “Let me finish Carmen if you please, it would be far better for everyone that if you leave the villa today before the others return you need not fear that you will lose anything here as I can book your flight ticket.” She hurried on. “I will see that you also receive compensation as well. Don’t worry I have enough money.” And Quickly she retrieves a pen and checkbook from her handbag. “ Name your price!” She said in a contemptuous tone. I began to feel a growing sense of anger. Did all these people believe that money could buy anything? And she is not even aware that Marc had my passport. “Why should I take money from you, Bella? If I stay here for another few days I can collect a substantial sum from Marc as divorce alimony. He will give it to me without any reluctance.” I said angrily. “You are reluctantly to leave? Perhaps Marc is already succeeding in his plan, “ Bella added with a cruel laugh. “ Ohh, come on Carmen, you are naïve, are you not? You did not think that Marc could have any personal interest in you after all these years? Oh, I grant that some men would find you attractive,” she raked me from top to bottom and added, “Marc has intended to make you fall in love with him again, you have been an easy game believe me!” As I tried to protest she added with cruel mockery, “How do you think that I know all these details? Marc has told me of course! I and you, know very well that he chose me a long time back and let go of you.” “After you are divorced, we shall marry and I will be with him everything that a wife should be, everything that you are not. I should leave you now, “she finished glancing without concealing her hatred and said cunningly. “I feel very sorry for you Carmen, to have gained such a rich and powerful husband as Marc Gracia and then to lose him! It is your bad luck!”I did not attempt to escort my unwelcome visitor to the door but remained standing near the window as Bella Costa opened the drawing-room doors and walked out towards the courtyard. When the footsteps had finally receded and a car engine sprang powerfully into life, I give a long shuttering sigh and buried my face in my hands that trembled with emotions. I was shocked because Marc’s action had not been caused by desire, simply an urge to revenge himself upon me. I groaned softly what the fool I had been. How he and Bella would laugh when he disclosed what an easy conquest I had been last evening ! Onn this thought I calmed myself a little. Whatever Bella Costa had to say on the subject, I felt sure that Marc would never reveal the more intimate details of our lovemaking to his intended bride. I got the distinct impression that Bella would not be amused by every aspect of the situation. At least Bella’s disclosure made my decision to leave Milan a great deal easier or did it? Did I want to give her the satisfaction of seeing me turn around and run away? I stiffened my shoulders My shoulders stiffened at the thought. That will surely be playing directly into the Italian women's hand. If only I could carry it through, it would be better to stay for the week as planned and appear unimpressed by Marc’s advances and not give him the satisfaction of knowing that he had hurt me. “Bella has left?” I jumped slightly as Ada’s familiar tone disturbed my thought. “ You are not well Carmen! It is very hot outside. Come, please sit down,” Ada said in a concerned tone. “I am fine Ada,” I protested, allowing the older women to lead me to the chair and making me sit comfortably.“Please drink this, I insist! It will make you feel better.” Ada said, placing the lemon-colored liquid in my unresisting hand. “Argh! This is awful,” I exclaimed as I swallowed the last drops from the glass. “ But you were right it has made me better.” I smiled reassuringly at the worried Ada but Ada continued to stare at me suspiciously. “I think perhaps I should go and inform Marc.” “Oh, no ! please don’t, I am fine now, like you said, I am just not accustomed to the heat here that’s all.” I said urgently.“Are you sure?” She asked.“Yes, yes, quite sure and don’t worry Ada." I tried to assure her. Ada hesitated a moment and then said, “You wish to speak with me on some other matter. Shall I return later when you are feeling better? ““No, that won't be necessary now Ada, I've changed my mind but I shall need to use the phone later.” “You can use his study at any time Carmen and if you are sure that you are well, I'll go and prepare you some lunch,” Ada said with a smile. “No please nothing for me,” I said with a quiver of distaste.“Carmen you must eat something, otherwise you will undoubtedly fall sick. I will bring something back to your room,” Ada said with a decision, “And when you have made the call, I think you should rest.”“Perhaps you are right Ada.” I agreed. In truth, the peace and security of my room appealed strongly to me. I smiled at her as she went towards the kitchen and I sighed with relief as ran towards my room.